Two years have passed since the Newburgh Illuminated Festival was held due to the on-going COVID pandemic. On Saturday, June 4, food, fashion, music, art, expression, community spirit and smiles were on full display at the return of the Newburgh Illuminated Festival which illuminated all that Newburgh has to offer.

From noon until 10 at night, organizers estimated that over 60,000 people were in attendance with the return of the festival.

The name of the festival is not only meant to shine a light on the City of Newburgh but pays homage to the city’s history. The City of Newburgh is recognized as becoming the second municipality in the world to have running and working electricity once the Montgomery Street Station was opened.

During the day, Central Hudson and the Orange County Historian’s Office hosted a tour of the 1884 Montgomery Street Station power plant designed by Thomas Edison. Additionally, a tour of the city and its architecture was also hosted by the historian’s office.

The overall purpose of this community festival is to highlight and share the diversity and expression of the City of Newburgh and greater Newburgh area.

Residents were treated to 250 vendors at this year’s festival where they were able to enjoy natural smoothies, Jamaican food, Puerto Rican food, and a variety of other city and Hudson Valley cuisine.

Over 50 cars of different models and colors were provided and put on display by Hudson Valley Street Wars. Local fashion designers and Newburgh boutiques displayed their clothing and original work on the Safe Harbors Green stage and a Children’s Carnival at Washington’s Headquarters was offered for families with children who came to partake in the day.

Six stages of live music that featured the West Point Band and other local acts were accompanied with a new electronic dance music [EDM] stage at Toasted Newburgh on Liberty Street.

During the course of the afternoon, Hook Elite Boxing hosted several boxing matches for residents to watch and see the talent of the club. Hook Elite Boxing Club is a local club that provides a safe space for the youth of Newburgh to hone their skills and remain in a good and empowering environment. Hook Elite Boxing was founded by Coach Leonard Lee 12 years ago and this year, he was announced as the recipient of the 2022 Newburgh Illuminated Mayor Judy Kennedy Citizens Award.

Most of the vendors that were present at Newburgh Illuminated were happy to be back after the two year hiatus due to COVID and looked forward to a day of fun and community.

“It’s good to be here in Newburgh on Liberty Street, back after a couple years. It’s always been a good festival so I’m hoping that the crowd responds well today,” said Mark Darnobid, owner of Art by Mark Darnobid. “It’s good to be surrounded by people where you know everybody’s display is different.”

Michael Quinn, President and CEO of Rhinebeck Bank, took part in the celebration of the day and shared that for him, it was his first Newburgh Illuminated. “I’m just blown away by how big it is. I expect it to be a lot of fun,” said Quinn.

Born and raised in the City of Newburgh, Jose Galardo, owner of Faded Empire Barbershop shared he was happy to see the city on full display and is open for business. “It feels good that everything is coming back to normal,” said Galardo.

As people arrived during the course of the day more food, music and smiles continued on into the night of Newburgh Illuminated Festival and thus concluded a successful return.