Riverfest

Celebrating Yonkers

by Tena Parker

Tuesday October 11, 2005

On Oct. 1 the streets of downtown Yonkers were overflowing with people of all ages to celebrate Riverfest and Family Day. An estimated 25,000 visitors crowded the riverfront and downtown Yonkers for these events.

Riverfest and Family Day celebrate the history and cultural diversity of Yonkers and highlight the rebirth of the riverfront.

To create the extraordinary lineup of events and activities, coordinators of Riverfest and Yonkers’ Family Day decided, for the first time, to combine their efforts into one huge event.

Riverfest and Family Day events took over the Yonkers Riverfront Library, Beczak Environmental Education Center, Larkin Plaza, Historic Philipse Manor Hall and, of course, the Hudson River.

Walking into the library, guests were greeted by Corey, a large remote-controlled and voice-operated car, piloted by a C.A.R.E (Correctional Adolescent Reachout Education) police officer. C.A.R.E officers photographed children and helped parents create an I.D. kit in case of emergencies.

Within the library’s atrium, tables were set up giving out information on everything from continuing education programs at local colleges to healthy initiative information about nutrition, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

At another table, Yonkers Public Schools distributed free books to children and parents in hopes of motivating kids to become avid readers.

Home Depot made a workshop where kids, with the help of adults, could build wooden creations like birdhouses, birdfeeders, toy boats, toy helicopters and bookends. Each child, adorned in a bright orange work apron, participated in the building of their creation to the best of their abilities.

Larkin Plaza was lined with information booths, craft vendors, game booths, a classic car show and many activities. Yonkers Fire Department sponsored the Safety House, which teaches people what to do in case of a fire; participants entered and took part in demonstrations about fire safety.

Just down the street the Skyriders performed a crowd-awing trampoline routine. Kyle Bowen and Ken Kovach wowed the crowd by bouncing thirty-five feet into the air and twisting and flipping their way back down to a small 7 by 14 ft. trampoline.

It is called Riverfest for a reason, and this year Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club sponsored free kayaking on the Hudson River. Many people took advantage of this opportunity to experience the river in a new way.

For the land lovers, a small walking bridge enabled visitors to stand on the bank of the Hudson River and gaze upon the beautiful landscape of the river in perfect weather.

During a day that was all about the culture of Yonkers, the history of the river came alive for visitors and residents alike.