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September brings food, festivals and parades to Orange County

| 27 Aug 2012 | 01:29
    Photo by Ed Bailey Queen Elizabeth arrives by barge each weekend at the New York Renaissance Faire at Sterling Forest in Tuxedo.
    Photo by Ed Bailey Queen Elizabeth arrives by barge each weekend at the New York Renaissance Faire at Sterling Forest in Tuxedo.
    Palaia Vineyards in Highland Mills hosts its annual Grape Stomp Festival and Lucy Look-Alike Contest on Sept. 22. Lucy, the legendary comedian, actress and television executive, would have been 101 years old on Aug. 6.
    Palaia Vineyards in Highland Mills hosts its annual Grape Stomp Festival and Lucy Look-Alike Contest on Sept. 22. Lucy, the legendary comedian, actress and television executive, would have been 101 years old on Aug. 6.
    Source: http://monroecheesefestival.com/ On Sept. 8, Monroe celebrates the history of cheese-making in the birth place of Liederkranz and Velveeta at its annual Monroe Cheese Festival.
    Source: http://monroecheesefestival.com/ On Sept. 8, Monroe celebrates the history of cheese-making in the birth place of Liederkranz and Velveeta at its annual Monroe Cheese Festival.

GOSHEN — The following is a list of events and activities during September across Orange County, courtesy of Orange County Tourism:

Music

The West Point Band’s “Music Under the Stars” series lights up the night with a fireworks display and cannon salute on Sunday, Sept. 2, at the Trophy Point Amphitheater. A retreat ceremony opens this free event at 6 p.m. followed by performances from the Jazz Knights and the Concert Band. Arrive early with your blanket and picnic basket and settle in for a perfect musical evening on the Hudson.

Festivals

The New York Renaissance Faire at Sterling Forest in Tuxedo, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Let jugglers, jesters, minstrels and magicians transport you back 300 years to Elizabethan England. Cheer for jousting knights, curtsey to the Queen, shop the Tudor-style marketplace and feast on delectables every weekend and Labor Day until September 23rd.
By mid-September, the temperature will be just right for dancing some polka at the Oktoberfest. The aroma of German fare and the sounds of the oompah bands fill the air at Bear Mountain State Park on weekends from Sept. 15 through Oct. 28.

History

Who said history isn’t fun? When you say “cheese” in the Village of Monroe on Saturday, Sept. 8, you may or may not be posed in front of a camera. You’ll be celebrating the history of cheese-making in the birth place of Liederkranz and Velveeta cheese at the annual Monroe Cheese Festival. Enjoy vendors and live entertainment as you stroll the picturesque Mill Pond Parkway, the original site of the Monroe Cheese Company.
Also paying historic tribute that day is General Montgomery Day, happening in the namesake village of this patriot of the American Revolutionary War. An 8K race, a parade, a soap box derby, lots of street vendors and an evening of fireworks will keep you busy all day.
The following week, on Sept. 15 and 16, the county seat of Goshen pays homage to one of its native sons at the Willie “The Lion” Smith Jazz Festival. Multiple venues around the village will feature performances in honor of this jazz pioneer recognized as one of the fathers of the stride piano style.

Parade

On Sept. 22, the village of Cornwall-on-Hudson will host the Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Parade at 2 p.m. Live music, special events and a grand fireworks finale will round out the day.

Grape stomp

After the parade, take a quick jaunt to Highland Mills for a celebration of the grape harvest. Palaia Vineyards’ Grape Stomp Festival and Lucy Look-Alike Contest will tickle both your funny bone and your taste buds. The grounds surrounding the 200-year old barn and historic homestead with 10 acres of vineyards will be hopping with vendors, live music, and an assortment of Lucys stomping to win the grand prize, a case of wine. Bring a blanket or chair and, of course, your red haired wig.

Football

Nothing says fall like football and there’s no more scenic place for a pre-game tailgating feast than West Point. Where else are you likely to see the game ball delivered by a paratrooper dropping in by parachute? The country’s oldest military academy provides a unique football experience. Reserve tickets to see the Black Knights in action at one of the seven home games being played in Michie Stadium. They kick off against Northern Illinois on Sept. 15.

References

Music Under the Stars

West Point. 845-938-2617, www.usma.edu/band

The New York Renaissance Faire

Tuxedo. 845-351-5171, www.renfair.com/ny

Oktoberfest

Bear Mountain. 845-786-2731, www.palisadesparksconservancy.org

Monroe Cheese Festival

Monroe. 845-774-1727, www.monroecheesefestival.com

General Montgomery Day

Montgomery. 845-457-9661, www.montgomeryday.com

Willie “The Lion” Smith Jazz Festival

Goshen. 845-294-4188. www.cornerstoneartsalliance.com

Fireman’s Parade

Cornwall-on-Hudson. 845-494-5033. www.stormkingfire.org

Palaia Vineyards

Highland Mills. 845-928-5384, www.palaiavineyards.com

Army Football

West Point. 845-446-4996, www.goarmysports.com

Orange County Tourism

800-762-8687, www.OrangeTourism.org