Poughkeepsie Celebrates One Year of ‘First Friday’
“The buzz is back!”
On Friday, April 7, Poughkeepsie residents and guests joined Mayor Robert Rolison at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House to celebrate the one year anniversary of First Friday Poughkeepsie.
Last year, Mayor Rolison and County Executive Marc Molinaro organized the monthly celebration as part of their efforts to make the city of Poughkeepsie, “safer, cleaner and stronger.” Since then, the first Friday of each month has highlighted the best of Poughkeepsie with cultural, dining and entertainment offerings from downtown venues and businesses.
“It all started with the idea of ‘the buzz,’” Mayor Rolison said. “It is so important that we’re out there supporting the businesses that support us.”
On this particular Friday, guests were invited to the official ribbon cutting of The Ugly Mug, Poughkeepsie’s newest coffee spot on Market Street. The grand opening included free pastries, coffee jello shots and discounted samples.
Other restaurants involved in the festivities were Amici’s, Rabbit and Turtle Pub, Tavern 23, Schatzi’s, Main Street Pizza and Cafe, and River Station. Nic L Inn, Union Tavern, The Derby and My Place Pizza provided dining specials as well as live music for their guests.
“The buzz is back!” Marc Molinaro said as he greeted the crowd, “The best days of Poughkeepsie are still ahead of it. We’re thrilled to be residents.”
At the event, Mayor Rolison introduced his “Seven Minute Clean Up Challenge,” which launched the following day. In partnership with residents of Joseph’s House and WPDH Radio personality Robyn Taylor, the mayor encouraged Poughkeepsie residents and business owners to commit seven minutes a week to clean around their homes and throughout the city.
“As a community member, a friend and mayor of Poughkeepsie, I urge you to take seven minutes to clean,” said the mayor. “If everybody did that, how much cleaner would the city be?”
Molinaro commented, “Thanks to Mayor Rolison, there is no county as strong as this one.” To which the mayor added, “Without the residents, the city wouldn’t thrive.”
The next First Friday event is scheduled for Friday, May 5. Information can be found at www.facebook.com/FirstFridayPoughkeepsie.
