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Nominees for the Event Award of Distinction hosted events that occurred in Dutchess County that brought in visitors and made a positive impact on the tourism economy. Join Dutchess Tourism in celebrating all the honorees at the 11th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Read on to learn more about each Event Award of Distinction finalist.
Felipe Santos Maldonado, La Guelaguetza: La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie is organized by Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie and the Guelaguetza committee, which is composed of individuals from various organizations. The mission of Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie (GFP) is to preserve Mexican culture; to teach and transmit Mexican culture to the children of Mexican parents and to others interested in learning; and to create a bridge of connection with the members of the Hudson Valley community through the dance, music, and the authentic flavors of Oaxaca. Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie was founded in 2006 as a project of the Church of St. Mary in the City of Poughkeepsie, with the goal of incorporating folkloric dance into the celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The group was eager to share its culture with the Hudson Valley community and, in 2009, organized the first Guelaguetza celebration in Poughkeepsie. This event was a great success, attracting more than 1,000 spectators. La Guelaguetza is an annual indigenous cultural event originating from Oaxaca, Mexico. GFP and the Guelaguetza committee are excited to continue organizing Guelaguetza festivals in Poughkeepsie. Grupo Folklórico also performs at many local and out-of-state events. The community work of the Grupo Folklórico has achieved significant changes within the community. Through culture, they have demonstrated that the Latino community makes a substantial contribution to the region. Not only do they contribute economically, but they also share the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, with the entire tristate area. They teach future generations living in the United States about the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca, Mexico. Additionally, the group has been recognized by the State Senate with a legislative resolution.
David Bova, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery: Millbrook Vineyards & Winery’s annual summer jazz concert series features an exciting live performance by New York Yankee legend, renowned jazz musician and wine enthusiast, Bernie Williams and his Band of Friends. August 2024 marked the partnership’s third consecutive year, as the event continues to be a growing hit for music, baseball and wine enthusiasts alike. Each year, we create an event where guests from throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond can visit the region to enjoy the music, a celebrity encounter and world-class wine on the beautiful vineyard lawn. Additionally, on the evening of each concert, Millbrook Winery debuts a new release of Bernie’s Blend wine, a limited-release wine blend thoughtfully crafted by Bernie and the winery’s head winemaker, Ian Bearup. This year’s concert included a special dedication to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), an organization Bernie is passionate about, recognizing local school music administrators in addition to two Millbrook Central School District students who then joined Bernie in playing a cover of "Watermelon Man."
Ned Reade, Pawling Concert Series: The Pawling Concert Series is beginning its 51st season of presenting live classical, jazz, folk, and world music to the eastern Dutchess County area. This year the Series will present five concerts between October 2024 and April 2025.
Felipe Santos Maldonado, La Guelaguetza: What excites me the most about La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie is that it is more than just an annual event; it is a project that represents the effort and dedication of an entire community. This work is not limited to the day of the festival but extends throughout the entire year. The organizing committee works tirelessly to make this great event possible, but the most valuable aspect is the unity forged among the members of the Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie. This project reflects how families come together not only to preserve and learn the traditional dances of Oaxaca but also to share their culture with everyone who attends the festival. From children to the elderly, everyone participates with one purpose: to keep alive a tradition that has traveled from Oaxaca and is now an integral part of Poughkeepsie. La Guelaguetza is not just a festival; it is community, it is family, it is an opportunity to change lives and strengthen bonds. Preserving this culture and sharing it with others is an invaluable gift, and seeing the happiness of those who attend the festival is a reminder of why this project is so important. It is a celebration that transcends borders and reminds us that through unity and collective effort, we can keep our roots alive and enrich our community.
David Bova, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery: The event is especially exciting for us as Bernie Williams chose and trusted Millbrook Winery, one of the region’s premier wineries, as his partner to showcase his musical talent and to create one-of-a-kind wine blends. His performance is a rare opportunity for local residents to experience something special and we couldn’t be more proud to host him and his talents right here in Millbrook. We have enjoyed watching families and friends make this concert an annual tradition, where loved ones come together and share in the love of music, wine and good company. The event is the perfect blend of national and local arts and craftmanship, creating a sense of community and celebration that is truly unique. It’s not just a concert — it’s a community event bringing people together, supporting local arts, and making long-lasting memories.
Ned Reade, Pawling Concert Series: Live music connects people across cultures, ages, and income levels. It can touch the soul and speak to the human condition.
Felipe Santos Maldonado, La Guelaguetza: La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie will continue to grow in multiple aspects. What began as a small event with few dancers and attendees has transformed into a binational event of great significance. Today, La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie offers the opportunity for musicians and dancers from Oaxaca, Mexico, to come to our city and continue teaching the importance of Oaxacan culture. Currently, we attract around 8,000 people, and in the future, this event will continue to expand, drawing more people, more dancers, and a greater diversity of communities who will value and appreciate the cultural richness of Oaxaca. La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie hopes to grow in magnitude and importance just as the original Guelaguetza festival of Oaxaca. Additionally, I firmly believe that the Mexican government will become more involved, recognizing the enormous importance and connection this event has established in the United States. This will not only strengthen the cultural bond between the two countries but will also highlight the relevance of preserving and celebrating our traditions on an international level.
David Bova, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery: As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue being a highlight for both jazz music lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. Since its inception, the event has grown with increased ticket availability to make it more accessible to locals and visitors with plans to further broaden its reach throughout neighboring counties and the greater NYC-metro/tri-state region to showcase all Millbrook Winery and the greater Dutchess County area has to offer. Each year, we plan to elevate our guests’ experience, making it a highly-anticipated and cherished tradition where guests can celebrate some of life’s greatest pleasures — music and wine. Lastly, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Bernie and the NAMM Foundation, supporting the vital work the organization does in advancing music education and fostering a lifelong love of music in communities right here in our own backyard, as well as spotlighting home-grown artists and musicians shining on the same stage.
Ned Reade, Pawling Concert Series: The Series is looking to grow its audience by branching out into new types of music and is finding ways to offer discounted tickets for those who find the ticket price a barrier to attending a concert.
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