“The Hudson Valley, rich with history, is home to West Point, a significant veteran population, and deep community support for first responders,” James H. White, co-organizer of the festival, told The Epoch Times. “The America the Beautiful Festival is a small thank you to the legions of men and women who have served and continue to serve our great land and region.”
Held near the Delaware River and the Tri-State Monument, the festival will feature patriotic and family-friendly entertainment, with different programs scheduled for both days.
Jimmy “The Polka King” Sturr, a legend with 18 Grammy awards, will headline on July 13; country singer Darryl Worley and USN/USMC veteran Dave Bray will perform on July 14.
“We’re the most blessed nation on the planet,” Mr. Bray said. “It’s worth fighting for, and it’s worth singing about. It’s worth telling [America’s] story and waving her flag.”
Mr. Bray, who will be opening for Mr. Worley, considers his “Music on a Mission” album as a continuation of his service.
“I didn’t feel like I did enough in my military career, and I wanted to do more,” he said. “I wanted to write music that was about patriotism, about my time in service, about faith, and paying honor and tribute to the greatest nation on the planet Earth.”
This patriotic spirit will permeate all aspects of the festival. From the songs—including Mr. Worley’s No. 1 hit “Have You Forgotten?”—to historical reenactments, the festival promises to be fun and educational for all ages.
The 40-acre event includes a Historic Village where visitors will be able to see how people dressed, cooked, and lived during the Revolutionary War. There will also be American Founding Fathers’ stories and famous quotes from history, specially selected and designed by college professor Paul B. Skousen, a U.S. Constitution scholar. The Deerpark Museum will also showcase interesting pictures and stories about the local area.
The military presence will include colors performed by the 105th Airlift Wing Honor Guard on July 13 and a Korean War Veterans Honor Guard on July 14. Another highlight will be a car show powered by the U.S. Army. It will feature top cars, trucks, jeeps, and bikes, and those attending will be able to vote for the 12 People’s Choice Awards on July 14.
No festival is complete without great food. For those who enjoy a good barbecue, eight-time grand champion Miller’s Backyard BBQ will be on the grounds—among many other local vendors. And like any good event commemorating the Fourth of July, a large fireworks display will mark the end of the July 13 program.
Presented by The Epoch Times and New Century Festivals, the event will have free admission with a $5 parking fee.
New Century Festivals has become a popular venue for local events in the Hudson Valley. Its Moon Festival—celebrating the traditional Chinese holiday—attracts thousands of visitors each year, while its Christmas Market & Winter Wonderland is becoming a local favorite. With the America the Beautiful Festival, the venue aims to continue celebrating traditions with the local community.
Co-organizer Mr. White said: “We can never repay what our veterans, military, and first responders have given us nor the sacrifices they’ve made, but we can say, ‘Thank you.’ And we mean it—thank you.”
