Hudson River Regional
Festival
Visits by Historic Vessels
August 14 to 24
Fireboat John J.
Harvey
NY State Tugboat Urger
The birth of a new tradition on the Hudson River starts this summer, August 14-24, with the Hudson River Regional Festival. Six host communities will feature the best of art, history and entertainment in the upper Hudson River along with the historic sites of Cedar Grove, Clermont and Olana. Over an eleven-day period you can explore a wide range of experiences that make the Upper Hudson River so unique and exciting. As part of this festival, Catskill, Hudson and Saugerties will play host to the visiting historic fireboat Harvey and the NY State Canal tugboat Urger.
 Fireboat John J. Harvey |
The “Fire Boat Harvey” built in 1931, the 286 ton, 130 foot vessel was one of the most powerful fireboats in service. She has five 600 hp diesel engines that can pump 18,000 gallons a minute. Retired in 1994 from active service, she came back to help during 9/11. In June 2000 the Harvey was added to “The National Registry of Historic Places”.
The John J. Harvey is on the 3rd annual Blue Links Tour of the Hudson River. She will leave New York City on August 13 for her cruise to Albany, stopping at Hudson River towns along the way offering free rides, tours and demonstrations. The John J. Harvey will be open for public tours on the following days in the upper Hudson.
Saturday, August 16, Kingston
Monday, August 18, Hudson
Thursday, August 21, Catskill
 Tugboat Urger |
The “Tugboat Urger”, built in 1901 on the Great Lakes as the Henry J. Dornbos started service on the NYS Canal system in the early 1920’s. The Urger stationed in Waterford, serving for over 60 years hauling machinery, dredges and scows on the Erie and Champlain Canals until retiring in the 1980’s. In 1991, the Urger was called back into service with its new mission of living history and education.
August 14-24 in Athens you can take part in a Dutch trading post of the mid 1600’s with the Dutch sailing barge the “Golden Re’al”; providing a living link to early European exploration into this region.
Seven Hudson River kayak paddles are planned, with paddles ranging from Tivoli Bay tidal wetlands in the south to Stockport Flats to the north. These multi-hour tours use “Muscle Boats” to enter unique areas not normally accessed by other watercraft. Tours will take advantage of the three-foot tidal range that drives the changing nature of the wetlands.
You will be able to take a relaxing cruise on the deck of the “Spirit of Hudson” and visit some of the waterfronts of the other participating communities. Hudson-Athens Lighthouse tours on August 16 & 23 will provide an opportunity to take a step back and get a view of the Hudson from one of the most unique vantage points on the River. The Saugerties Lighthouse features the “Between the Tides” celebration adding another unique Hudson River experience on August 17.
To get more information, schedules and tickets you can call 800-355-2287.
Hudson River Regional Festival information, schedule, and brochure
Greene County Hudson River Regional Festival
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