Beacon Holiday Season Gets Underway

Article Reprinted From : http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081129/NEWS01/811290318/1006

Beacon lights up for the season

Song, cheer ring out at Howland Center

By Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal

BEACON - With the flick of a switch, the city's holiday season got under way.
I'm here to say, 'Bring it on,' " Mayor Steve Gold said Friday evening.

He then hit a switch to illuminate a decorative snowflake on a street light outside the Howland Cultural Center.

"Let Christmas and the holiday season begin," Gold said to rousing applause from those gathered along Main Street to watch the brief ceremony.

The lighting marks the beginning of the holidays in Beacon, where stores along Main are already decorated for the season and street lights feature white snowflakes and green garlands strung around the poles.

About 40 people gathered inside Howland for music, hot coffee and holiday cheer before heading outside for the ceremony.

"We always do some kind of carols and hot chocolate," said Mike Jurkovic, Howland's vice president. "People get the hot chocolate, the coffee, the tea. People get into the spirit."

The holidays were given a jazzy feel by singer Margaret McDuffie, accompanied on the piano by Art Labriola, as they offered up standards including "Moonlight in Vermont."

Howland board member Paul Lukowiak sported a red and white cap for the evening.

"It's the official kickoff of the holiday season," Lukowiak said.

Board member Emily Monahan said the event is a perfect way to start the season, from the music and food to the festive lighting.

"It's beautiful," Monahan said as she gazed around the interior of the center, where candles flickered as the music played. "This place has great karma."

Like officials in many Hudson Valley cities, leaders in Beacon are working to bring shoppers and visitors to the downtown for the holidays, with an eye toward having them return throughout the year.

Upcoming events in Beacon include a holiday store decorating contest. Judging for the best decorated store along Main will take place this weekend. The winners should be announced next week.

A Holiday Package Parade, complete with Santa Claus and carolers, is set for Dec. 6.

The Recreation Commission is set to hold a tree lighting, with another appearance by Santa, on Dec. 7.

Other events will be held throughout December.

Kieran Austin, a seventh-grader from Cold Spring, said he enjoyed Friday's concert.

"It was really good," said Austin, adding he is looking forward to "family time" the upcoming holiday season will no doubt bring.

Reach Michael Valkys at mvalkys@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4816