Celebrating Poughkeepsie’s Walkway
Originally hauling trains from one side of the river to the other, the Walkway over the Hudson was known as the longest bridge in the world back in 1889. Despite a mysterious fire that later damaged these tracks, it was reopened years after as Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in October of 2009 — making this month its 7th year Anniversary.
With ticket sales starting at $175 per person, the Walkway held a dinner last week, September 30th, to commemorate this historic site. Zach Diaz, Park Ranger since its grand opening, described this month’s celebration as a “gathering to honor those that have contributed to the Walkway”.
A crisp night under the fall skies while 213 feet above the Hudson, the event was Starry-Starry-Night themed. The entrance fee to this exclusive night, had a charitable gift portion set to $100 of the $175 tickets. Also known as the golden ticket, this entrance fee gave guests a private dinner catered by local Poughkeepsie restaurant and caterer, Lola’s Cafe, while they listened to special visitor and honorary guests like actress Mary Stuart Masterson, Dr. Dennis J. Murray, President Emeritus of Marist College, and members of the Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation.
Diaz mentioned that some of the Walkways other guests were also commemorated, such as the Dyson Foundation which happens to donate a great deal to this non profit.
“It’s ironic because on the day that we celebrate the Walkway, we actually close the west side of the bridge from the public” Diaz added. In order to set up for this philanthropist event, the west side of the Walkway was specially reserved for its guests, as they would a enjoy their night under tents and under the stars on the west side entrance of the Walkway.
As a non-profit organization, the Walkway over the Hudson, aims at promoting the beauty of this recreational facility connecting the City of Poughkeepsie and the Town of Lloyd. Attracting close to 500,000 visitors annually, Ambassadors and volunteers of the organization recruit as much help as possible to provide visitors with tour guides, special events, as well as educational and cultural programs.
To continue the anniversary celebrations for all the hard work done throughout the year, Diaz did not fail to mention that the fireworks show was originally supposed to be displayed on the night of the Starry-Starry-Night event but has now been moved to a later date.
Be sure to catch this firework show on Saturday October 15th. “It’s exclusive for people that pay for the gala but if you live in the vicinity, you won’t need a ticket” — enjoy the show as you commemorate this historic beauty, which was once known as the longest bridge in the world.
