Woodstock’s “A Day of Gratitude,” the town’s annual celebration honoring current and retired volunteers, will return for its 21st year on Aug. 16 at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center. Organizers say Woodstock remains the only town in the United States with a dedicated Volunteers Day.
The event began in 2004 as an anniversary celebration for the Woodstock Rescue Squad, according to founder Sam Magarelli. Within weeks, Magarelli and then-Town Supervisor Jeremy Wilbur expanded the focus to recognize volunteers across the fire company, soup kitchen, town committees and other community groups.
“It has been amazing all these years,” Magarelli said. “The Woodstock community and many of our neighbors in the surrounding towns have been very supportive of this Volunteer Appreciation Day, ‘A Day of Gratitude,’ over all these years.”
Festivities begin at 2 p.m. with The Free Range Singers, followed by the Levin Brothers at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., all attending volunteers and the guests of honor will be recognized alongside state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Woodstock Supervisor Bill McKenna and the Woodstock Volunteers Day Committee. A group photo will follow.
A special guest performance will be announced Aug. 11. Mona Freaka takes the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Sabrina & The Gems featuring Rennie Cantine at 7 p.m.
The annual Alf Evers Award will be announced prior to the fireworks at approximately 8:30 p.m. The award was established by the Town Board in 2004 to recognize a longtime volunteer or volunteers who have consistently given back to the community over the course of many years, even decades. The celebration concludes with what organizers describe as “the greatest fireworks show in the Hudson Valley” at 9 p.m.
The free event also features Woodstock’s Famous Buffet donated by local restaurants, the volunteer-only WAiV Raffle with prizes from area businesses, and family-friendly activities including inflatable rides, a bounce house, obstacle courses, jugglers, BeeBee the Clown and appearances by the Berenstain Bears.
“Show up for the volunteers; they always show up for us,” organizers said in a statement.
Sophie Moos is an intern at The Overlook. You can reach her at reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
