In 2009, New York will be celebrating three literal rites of passage: The 1609 voyage of Henry Hudson ”“ who would probably keel over at the cost of the waterfront property he once navigated; the 1609 discovery of Lake Champlain by John de Champlain, founder of Quebec; and the 200th birthday of “Fulton”™s Folly,” as it was called by wags of that day. The steam-powered Clermont, like its captain, Captain Robert Fulton, made history journeying from New York City to Albany in two days.
Celebrations for these three watershed events are being planned with fervor for next year.
Tara Sullivan, executive director of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial ”“ “Call it Quad for short,” said Sullivan ”“ visited several mid-Hudson chambers of commerce during May, bringing an exuberant message she hopes will trickle down to every community connected in some way, shape or form with the trio of adventuring firsts. Sullivan brought a special Exlore NY 400th anniversary flag to all the chambers she visited, one she hopes to see waving from every municipal, school and private building in New York by the end of the year.
The Quad Commission formed in 2002, so plans have been unfurling for several years. Now, Sullivan, wife of Scenic Hudson executive director Ned Sullivan, will be out seeking volunteers, financial contributions and asking for word-of-mouth campaigning by fellow New Yorkers for the year-long celebration.
Next year promises to be a year focusing on all things Dutch ”“with a helping of French influence thrown in for flavor. Sullivan said restaurants will be preparing specialty menus to highlight Dutch-influenced cooking of the time; schools will be encouraged to study the time period and, perhaps, she mused, even offer sewing classes for students to stitch clothing worn in 1609.
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While $4 million was allocated in the 2008-2009 budget for the “Quad,” Sullivan told the audience, “Right now, all that money is earmarked for projects already in the works. The state is offering a $45,000 grant to municipalities who participate in the year-long event, based on the city, state or village coming up with matching funds to qualify.” Another 250 $1,000 grants are available for those who contribute municipal support for the celebration.
Special commemorative events are planned for Champlain (Clinton County), Hudson (Columbia County) and New York City to coincide in October 2009. “And all up and down the river, as well as every county in this state, will be celebrating in one form or another,” said an enthusiastic Sullivan.  One of those events is the Great Champlain-Hudson Sojourn, where boaters will renavigate the paths of the explorers, all 340 miles of waterway. The event is scheduled to start in June 2009 and run approximately three weeks.
From Lake Tear of the Clouds where the Hudson River starts to Wall Street, where it ends, Sullivan hopes all cities, towns and villages will be celebrating in one way, shape or form. Whether it”™s learning about the foods and customs of the day, holding a 400th anniversary party or arranging tours of communities that once played host to the Dutch and French settlers, Sullivan would like to see restaurants, parks, schools and senior groups  take part in the Explore New York 400 celebration
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She reiterated the state”™s commitment to readying Walkway Over the Hudson ”“ the defunct train bridge that crosses the river at Poughkeepsie ”“ to become the world”™s highest pedestrian-friendly bridge, and to have it ready by 2009 in time for the state”™s party. She”™s even hoping the new president will join New York”™s Sen. Charles Schumer as the first to make the trek across the walkway. The total cost of the project is projected to come in at $25 million.
Channel 13 (PBS) is also planning a documentary of the event, if funding is available, and Sullivan is urging business communities to step up to the plate and contribute. Even Steinway & Sons has gotten into the spirit, creating a grand piano that depicts scenes from the Hudson River Valley with the seven Native American tribes that called it home. “It will be a priceless memento that will be used at every important venue in 2009,” said Sullivan.
Macy”™s plans to get into the swing of things by hosting a commemorative float during its annual Thanksgiving Day parade next year.
While the scope of the celebration seems a bit overwhelming, the lower Hudson Valley region, comprised of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster and Putnam will be hosting the 2009 Empire State Games, which tourism boards are counting on to complement events they”™ve planned for the Quadricentennial.
To learn more about scheduled events, matching grants available to fund local celebrations, and ways to contribute your time (or make a donation) visit www.explore400ny.com.
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