The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

halloween

Celebrate Fall with Top-Rated Halloween Experiences: Two Activations of The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze® and a Full Roster of Legend of Sleepy Hollow-Themed Events

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Two Locations Plus Brand New Event: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country to Feature Master Illusionists

Hudson Valley: Blaze returns to its location at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson for the 19th year. Long Island: Blaze presented by Catholic Health will return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage for the fourth year.

This year, too: On the grounds of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown, visitors can enjoy two special celebrations of the author’s most famous work: Home of the ‘Legend,’ during the day and dramatic evening performances of Irving’s ‘Legend.’ A brand-new event will come to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow this season, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, where visitors will be astounded by master illusionists communicating with legends thought long departed.

Both Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® experiences are bigger and better than ever and feature thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in elaborate displays throughout historic landscapes. Blaze: Hudson Valley will run for 54 nights from September 15 through November 19. Blaze: Long Island will run for 30 nights from September 22 through November 5. New displays at Blaze: Hudson Valley include the country’s first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel, a circus sideshow, and a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead. At Blaze: Long Island, visitors will go under the sea with a giant pumpkin-octopus, meet the mythical Montauk mermaid, and get to know our friendly Pumpkin Pals. Both locations feature immersive experiences, an all-original soundtrack, theatrical lighting, and special effects.

Sleepy Hollow will get a little bit spookier with a new event at Philipsburg Manor, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, both professional magicians. These master illusionists will take visitors on a supernatural journey, conjuring the spirits of Sleepy Hollow lore, including Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, for a night of mystery and fun. The event takes place in the Dutch barn on the 18th-century property.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Returns This September

More Halloween fun can be found at the estate of Washington Irving, America’s founding father of literature. Historic Hudson Valley is bringing his classic spooky tale to life at Sunnyside, where daytime visitors can tour Irving’s home, take in an original shadow puppet film, and see a special Legend exhibit at Home of the ‘Legend.’ In the evenings, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk casts a spell with dramatic performances of Irving’s ‘Legend,’ performed outdoors under the stars. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages.

A one-day event, Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party, will treat visitors to spooky mocktails and festive snacks, along with a special opportunity to see the original doll from our collection and a brand-new toy based on the item.

Blaze: Long Island is presented by Catholic Health. Supporting sponsor is Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Blaze: Hudson Valley’s Supporting Sponsor is Servpro of Peekskill, Ossining, and Contributing Sponsors are JPMorgan Chase and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Tarrytown House Estate is the Hospitality Partner.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates several National Historic Landmarks.

Ticket and date information

These events have limited capacity and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase only. Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 27-30; October 1-31; November: 1-5, 8-12, 17-19. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17, and are free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend for free.

Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health dates are September 22-24, 29-30; October 1, 6-15, 18-22, 25-31; November: 3-5. Online tickets start at $29 for adults and $19 for children 3- 17, and are free for children 2 and under.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic dates are September 29- October 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Online tickets start at $65 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are September 29-October 1, 6-9, 13-15, 20-22, 27-31. Online tickets start at $35 for adults and $30 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Home of the ‘Legend’ dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 29-31; October 1; 6-9; 13-15; 20-22; 27-31 and November 3-5. Online tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children 3-17, and are free for those 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party is on September 16. Online tickets start at $35. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

 The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays which are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas. Favorite installations, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium, are joined this year by new creations like a pumpkin Ferris wheel and a circus sideshow.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including beer from Captain Lawrence, will be available to purchase.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays professionally lit throughout the landscape of Old Bethpage Village Restoration – a historic site owned and operated by Nassau County – in various themed areas.

Favorite installations appear along with site-specific displays including a sea monster and sea creatures, as well as a lighthouse, an homage to the location’s proximity to the ocean.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of local artists who carve all the jack o’lanterns. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage. More information about both Blaze activations is available at pumpkinblaze.org.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic Featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, this event features these master illusionists communicating with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country, such as Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, delighting and thrilling audiences. The event takes place in the evenings in the Dutch barn at Philipsburg Manor, in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow.

All Information Presented in Partnership with Historic Hudson Valley

A Look Back at Fabulous Fall Events PLUS, Next Year’s Dates!

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On Community Day 2021: The Rotary Club’s Sandy Bueti making his contribution to a popular community weave presented by New Castle United for Youth   Inside Press Photo

COMMUNITY DAY

“The Rotary Club of Chappaqua, in collaboration with the Town of New Castle, hosted a successful 2021 New Castle CommunityDay. Success was due to generous sponsors, participating exhibitors, and the New Castle community. Funds raised will benefit local and global charities. We are thrilled we have a great opportunity to help those in need. On Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Day will once again blend community, personal enjoyment and giving service to others.” Marlene Canapi, president, Rotary Club of Chappaqua

FEED ME FRESH: AN EDIBLE EVENING

FEED ME FRESH PHOTOS by: (c)Hidenao Abe, StudioAbe

 

“Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s 17th Annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening was spectacular on September 25 thanks to all the amazing sponsors and volunteers. Over $220,000 was raised for MKCCC’s Scholarship Program toward high quality, affordable care, and early education to a diverse group of children in a safe, healthy environment through innovative and developmentally appropriate programming. Next year’s date: September 17, 2022!” Helen Bock, Director of Development, mkccc.org

CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

Photo courtesy of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

“The eighth Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 2 was a celebration of coming back together as a community of readers. Our 70 plus authors signed thousands of books and loved talking to area families. We will return on October 15, 2022, at our full capacity of 120 plus authors. We are so grateful to the Town of New Castle, our sponsors, volunteers, partners and friends.”  Dawn Greenberg, founder, ccbfestival.org

First Congregational Church COMMUNITY YARD SALE & BOUTIQUE

(L-R): Kathy Thorsberg, Olga Seham, Bill Spade, Jon Russell, Carl Thorsberg, Chrissy Chapin, Jason Chapin, Rev. Martha Jacobs and Bill Swenson. Inside Press Photo

A Community Yard Sale and Boutique on September 25 brought together nearly a dozen boutique vendors and over 30 yard-sellers to the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua. Due to its success, a spring-time sale is anticipated too. “It was a beautiful day, and everyone had a great time … people got to see people they hadn’t seen in a long time.” Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, fcc-chappaqua.org/

THE ARMONK OUTDOOR ART SHOW

Photos Courtesy of the Armonk Outdoor Art Festival

“The Armonk Outdoor Art Show on September 25 & 26 was a huge success featuring 160 amazing exhibitors. The show had record high attendance, wonderful support from sponsors and volunteers, strong sales for our amazing artists and lots of positive energy. We’re grateful to all who contributed to a truly wonderful show. Hope to see you next year, October 1 & 2, 2022, for our 60th Anniversary!” Anne Curran, director, armonkoutdoorartshow.org

OKTOBERFEST

Pleasantville Oktoberfest on October 2nd was sponsored by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce and the Village to support our local businesses. The event was an incredible success as it brought together families and friends who have not been together since the Covid-19 pandemic started. We thank the Pleasantville Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Village Department, and the Chamber for a joint effort to provide a spectacular event to our great residents.  We plan on hosting this event again next year in the first weekend of October 2022.” -W. Paul Alvarez, Pleasantville Village Trustee. pleasantville.com

Outdoor ping pong matches during Oktoberfest! Courtesy of the Westchester Table Tennis Center  Inside Press Photo
A wheel of fortune at a booth for the Jacob Burns Film Center during Pleasantville’s first Oktoberfest  Inside Press photo

ARMONK CIDER & DONUT FESTIVAL AND 2021 RUN FOR LOVE

Sponsors, volunteers, The Byram Hills Preschool Association, The Love family, and the Town of North Castle all came together to create this year’s Armonk Cider & Donut Festival, the BHPA Fall Carnival and the 2021 Run for LOVE.  “What makes the festival unique is the breadth of activities from the Run for Love road races, a kids’ carnival, and our distinctive donut making right in the Park. This year the Food trucks were a big hit. Save the date for next year: September 18th 2022!“  Neal Schwartz, Chamber President armonkchamberofcommerce.com

A happy participant at the Armonk Cider & Donut Festival.  Resident photo courtesy to the Inside Press
Byram preteens and teens–all contestants in the 2021 Run for Love   Resident photo courtesy to the Inside Press

 
AND MORE…

Batgirl at an all day family fun festival preceding the New Castle Halloween Ragamuffin Parade    Inside Press photo
A craft activity during the New Castle Historical Society’s 1860s themed Family Fun Day   Inside Press photo

‘Halloweekend’ Event at the Irvington Theater Promises a Livestream of Spooky Surprises

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It started on Halloween six years ago…

That’s when Dou­glas Mc­Clure, John Mal­one, and a few of their friends dressed up as the Ra­mones and per­formed on North Dutcher Street where they live. Since then, the ritual has joyfully multiplied into a treasured Irv­ing­ton tra­di­tion: community bands providing their neighbors with a rock and roll soundtrack (and the accompanying light show) while trick-or-treaters and their families crowd the Village side streets to sing and dance along.

“We’ve got ar­chi­tects, psy­chol­o­gists, vet­eri­nar­i­ans, teach­ers, and tech­nol­ogy pro­fes­sion­als,” said McClure of the musicians who comprise each act. “It runs the gamut.”

Half Halloween concert finale at Irvington Theater on April 26, 2019, featuring local bands Wild Thyme, Lennon + Friends, Evil Eckar with special guest the Dirty Irv Horns, and the North Dutcher All Stars.
“The Cure” performing on North Dutcher Street, Halloween 2018. 
The audience was captivated by “Tom Tom Club” and “Talking Heads” at Irvington Theater’s Half Halloween Concert.
“Devo” (fronted by Doug McClure) at Irvington Theater’s Half Halloween Concert.
Downtown Irvington, just before Halloween’s musical magic begins.

The Halloween Bands (as they’ve been collectively dubbed) don’t let their moniker dictate their performance schedule; last spring, they came together for “Half Halloween,” a spectacular concert fundraiser on the Irvington Theater stage that thoroughly enchanted audience members of all ages. For the first time, four beloved bands were all in one place: Lennon + Friends, Wild Thyme, Evil Eckar, and the North Dutcher All-Stars. Local resident Rich Lobel made a wildly entertaining Master of Ceremonies, and the whole evening was replete with uncanny impersonations, impromptu aisle dancing, spooky surprises, and a karaoke contest that brought down the house. The Village of Irvington was abuzz for weeks, basking in the afterglow of such palpable community spiritedness and intergenerational celebration.

“Ever since that magical night, people always ask us if we made a movie of the show,” said participating musician Miyuki Furtado, who also serves on the Irvington Theater Commission. “Folks who missed it were so disappointed, and anyone who was there wishes they could see it again.”

That wish is about to come true. For the first time ever, Irvington Theater will stream this legendary concert for a one-night-only Halloweekend event – from their stoops to our stage, and now directly to you! Costumes, candy, and household watch parties are strongly encouraged.

Furtado says it’s the perfect time to revisit such a cathartic, live event: “Especially now, with so much uncertainty in the air, that night takes us back to a feeling not so long ago… when we could all gather together and share an incredible, creative community bond that made everyone on the stage and in the audience feel so welcomed, close, and inspired.”

This world premiere concert film will stream at 7:30pm on Friday, October 30. Purchase your ticket ($12 per household) to receive the viewing link and password at irvingtontheater.com/irvingtonanywhere. 

Irvington Theater is home to a diverse range of innovative programming that entertains, enlightens, and inspires, establishing itself over its 118-year history as the cultural heart of the Rivertowns. The theater continues its tradition with unprecedented reach with “Irvington Anywhere,” their entirely virtual fall season of short films, lively concerts, and classic celebrations. Irvington Anywhere is made possible thanks to the generous support of Eric Bernstein of Compass, Dobbs Ferry.

 

PHOTOS BY Paula Romanow Etzel

Halloween in Chappaqua, Then and Now… with Covid Safety Measures Planned

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Megan Klein in her: ‘Best.Costume.Ever’

October 30th update:  Erring on the side of caution, merchant trick or treat plans reported here earlier in the month have been cancelled in New Castle due to concerns with an uptick of cases being reported throughout the county.

Our author reminisces…

Oh, Halloween. What a concept. It’s the one day out of the year where it is acceptable to knock on a stranger’s door and willingly accept whatever they give us, with no questions asked. Hey, I was all for it when I was younger. Whether I was dressed as a puzzle piece, a hotdog, or sat home in my mustard costume on the couch all sad and mopey because I was sick, it was definitely never a bore.

Now that I’m older, I will say that I am over the whole scene. I can drive to go get candy whenever I want and I don’t need to be dressed up as barbequed meat to do it! Crazy what money can buy you.

I do, however, have great memories (and photos) from Halloween when I was a kid. My mom was a huge advocate of the Ragamuffin parade and some of my earliest trick-or-treating memories are from going around to each store after school. I was Minnie Mouse one year, and a cute one at that. Oh, and we can’t forget the time I was a clown. I had the clown shoes, the wig, the nose, the whole sha-bang. My mom still talks about it to this day. We will literally be watching TV, and she will be like, “Remember when you were a clown? Best. Costume. Ever.” 

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Unfortunately, what with the pandemic and all, Halloween is going to look a little different this year. It’s likely that a lot of people won’t be doing their normal Halloween traditions due to the pandemic and its safety concerns. While the parade is no longer on the schedule, there are other things in the works to make up for it!

For starters, thanks to Tara Mikolay of Desires by Mikolay, who spoke with board members of the town, PTA and others to make this a safe event, there WILL in fact be a merchant trick or treat this year. It will be over the span of three days, from 2-5 pm on Oct. 28, 29 and 30, with preschoolers first, followed by elementary school and middle school kids.

There will be tables outside of the stores with individually wrapped, grab-and-go candies along with a police presence aimed at preventing any traffic jam of little vampires and princesses, or whatever the kids dress up as these days. And of course, masks will be required.

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In terms of other Halloween activities, the PTA approved the annual window painting that happens around town every year, where students get to decorate a store-front window with season designs. And don’t worry, even though there won’t be a Ragamuffin parade this year, you will still have the chance to strut your stuff in town while being represented by your very own…scarecrow! Families will be able to make their own spooky, straw friend and place it around town to contribute to the Scarecrow Fest that is taking the parade’s place.

Although the spookiest season of the year will look a little different this fall, the town is doing their very best to put on a Halloween that will definitely be one for the books…

Editor’s Note: With the town plans underway, Westchester County in general is taking steps to help make residents and guests feel safe and secure as they venture into various communities to celebrate fall and Halloween via an initiative called ‘Westchester with Care’. An initiative of Westchester County Tourism & Film, “it is enlisting area businesses and nonprofits to help fight COVID-19 and safeguard the health and wellbeing of all who live, work and play in our beautiful destination just north of New York City. All participating organizations are required to take an online pledge. You can learn more and take the pledge at https://www.visitwestchesterny.com/westchesterwithcare

Returning to Raise a Family in the Tree Streets of Briarcliff Manor

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Briarcliff natives and high school sweethearts, Cari DeRose, an auditor and Cesare DeRose, owner of Tegra, a building maintenance supply company, live in the Tree Streets section of Briarcliff Manor with daughters Sabrina, age 9 and Juliana, age 5. Having both grown up in the area, settling there with their young family was a no-brainer. “When we got married in 2008 we did not consider any other towns when looking for our first place together. The sense of community and positive experience we had growing up in Briarcliff is exactly what we wished for our own children,” said Cari.

The Tree Streets were named by Walter W. Law, who founded Briarcliff Manor in the 1890’s. He wanted to name the streets after the species of trees planted in the surrounding areas such as Elm, Pine, Oak and Linden. Cari grew up in the Tree Streets and her parents still live in her childhood home. The DeRoses purchased their home three years ago and love their neighborhood. The area is very safe for kids to go out and play. As Cari says, “Since there are only two access points into the Tree Streets (Ash and Larch), there is not a lot of “thru traffic.” This allows the kids to bike and walk around a little bit more freely.”

Living in the Tree Streets provides many opportunities for neighbors to gather. On Halloween, the DeRoses saw over 400 trick-or-treaters come to their home. There’s also an annual adults-only block party held each fall.

As Cari says, “We love being a part of the Briarcliff community.” The family enjoys many local events including Family Fun Night, Santa Express, which is hosted by the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department, the Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series and the Halloween window painting, which takes place in town each year.