September Creative Living Highlights

SA 10/6: SECOND ANNUAL KiNGSTON ChILI COOK-OFF AT T.R.GALLO PARK iN ThE RONDOUT— So, your friends and family have been telling you all these years that your chili is the best in the land. Here’s your chance to prove it. (To apply, call the Kingston Heritage Area Visitor Center at 800-331-1518, e-mail kingstoninfo@ci.kingston.ny.us or visit www.ci.kingston.ny.us.) Music, kid activities, vendors, and a whole lotta chili. Judges include Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Noah Sheetz, Executive Chef at the Governor’s Mansion; John Novi, proprietor of the DePuy Canal House; Irena Chalmers, award-winning culinary author; and Nilsa Rodriguez-Jaca, Associate Professor in Foreign Languages at the Culinary Institute of America. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Holiday Magic Fund that benefits children residing at the Domestic Violence and Homeless Shelters in the City of Kingston. 11 AM - 4 PM

SA/SU 9/ 29-30: HUDSON VALLEY GARLIC FESTIVAL iN SAUGERTiES— I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but I recall hearing somewhere that the only time the slave workers who built the Pyramids ever gave their Egyptian masters any trouble was when their garlic ration was cut. True or not, it doesn’t make it any less believable. Adopted by the Kiwanis Club, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival has become a big local favorite, even getting props from USA Today. Includes live music, arts and crafts, kid’s area, lectures and demonstrations, and just about everything on the planet that can be done with a bulb of garlic. No pets, please. Cantine Field in Saugerties, Sa 10 AM - 6 PM, Su 10 AM - 5 PM.

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY RAMBLE— For three weekends every September, the Hudson River Valley Ramble sponsors 160 events spanning from Albany to NYC. Walks through historical grounds, hikes and bikes, multiple themes including the Revolutionary War, Great Estates, Hudson River School artists, Greenway Trails and the Hudson River Estuary. Locals and tourists alike will find a plentitude of information available at www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble/index.cfm, with an easily downloaded brochure. It’s a very comprehensive list, and a good source for interesting local historical and natural places of note. Events are scheduled for 9/15 -16, 23, and 29-30. More info available at 518.473.3835.

SA 9/15: HARDSCRABBLE DAY IN RED HOOK— Starting with the Fun Run in the morning, Red Hook enjoys its yearly daylong community celebration with a Farmer’s Market, local music, a harvest parade, a new ArtFest on St. Johns St., and a performance by the legendary Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, which is followed by a high school football game between Red Hook and New Paltz, and fireworks. A great All-American way to spend a September Saturday. 10 AM - 10 PM.

SU 9/15: 17Th ANNUAL TASTE OF NEW PALTZ AT THE ULSTER FAiRGROUNDS— Since it’s the harvest time of year, it should be expected to find a wealth of these foodie shindigs around the area. Taste of New Paltz is no exception, presenting food, fun, arts & crafts, a wellness and recreation area, country store, business expo, kid’s activities, live music, family friendly performances, wellness and fitness demonstrations, and a special “Fun With Energy” program at 1 PM. 11 AM - 5 PM, Ulster Fairgrounds, Libertyville Rd, www.tasteofnewpaltz.com, 845.255.0243.