October, 2000 issue

Despite some uncooperative weather in September, crowds turned out to many of the events scheduled in the thirteen communities from Cortlandt to Yonkers. RiverFair at Croton Point Park, with free rides on the sloop Sojourner Truth, storytelling, and bluegrass music was considered a success.

The Hudson River Ramble, over 70 walks in locations in the ten counties along the river was plagued by rain, but many ventured out nevertheless -- especially to hear Retired Colonel Jim Johnson's tour of Revolutionary War sites.

Many of the highlights of the festival are scheduled for October. The annual Open House at the Metro-North Shops at Croton-Harmon on October 21 is almost guaranteed to be a major attraction. The Sleepy Hollow Festival, with activities ranging from the "Beekman Sprints" to parades and fireworks welcomes many visitors on October 7. By planning ahead, visitors may also get to Teatown Lake Reservation's Harvest Festival on the same day, and enjoy a touch of nature.

Cultural events include a performance by the Eroica Trio; a production of "Full Bloom" by the Hudson Stage Company in the Julie Harris Theater; an opening celebration of the Fall Exhibitions at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers; book sales in Ossining and Tarrytown; and Dave Brubeck Quartet's appearance in Peekskill.

The fall migration of birds and butterflies will be recognized at Lenoir Preserve and other popular sites along the river.

Appropriately, Halloween is the culmination of the annual festival, with Legend Weekend in Sleepy Hollow Country. The Headless Horseman will ride again, Robert Klein will read scary stories, mysterious things will happen at Lyndhurst and myriads of pumpkins will be painted.

A complete schedule and more can be found in on the festival's official Web site.