Great Northern Catskills Fall Festivals, Art & Culture Events Continue as Irene's Impact Fades

GREENE COUNTY, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irene in towns like Prattsville, which seriously damaged at least 50 percent of its housing and business structures, Greene County is recovering. Roadways and bridges are open and safe for travel, and clean-up efforts continue in areas affected by Irene. Most tourism businesses, restaurants and attractions are open and ready for fall in the Catskills.

"There's no disputing the fact that parts of Catskills were hit hard by Irene," states Warren Hart, Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning for Greene County. "Prattsville will recover and residents have already coined the phrase 'Prattsville rocks when Mother Nature knocks' to show their determination to re-build. The new slogan is a tribute the town's founder, Zadock Pratt and the town's famous attraction, Pratt's Rock. Despite the damage, we are pleased to announce that our annual fall festivals, arts and cultural events will continue as planned. Fall in the Catskills promises to be just as beautiful and colorful as ever."

Home of the Catskill High Peaks, spectacular fall foliage and scenic roadways, the Catskill fall festival season kicks off this weekend with the Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival at Blackthorne Resort. The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County are on the mend and absolutely open for business following Hurricane Irene.

The 14th Annual Catskill Mountain Thunder rally, slated for September 15-18, is the largest motorcycle festival in Upstate New York. Visitors can enjoy stunt shows, rodeo games, and a vendor expo and bike show. Fall is the perfect time to tour around the Catskill Region on scenic roadways winding through valleys, along the Hudson River and into the Catskill Peaks. Enjoy fun cultural events that make the most of fall and the beautiful Catskill landscape.

Catskill fall festivals, arts and cultural events include:

• Wine and Brew Fest September 17-18 at Hunter Mountain. Sample fine microbrews and wines from the Hudson Valley and beyond. Taste delicious regional food and enjoy local craft vendors and a farmers market.
• Temperance and Tommy Guns September 17 in Cairo. Enjoy a "Prohibition Era Street Festival" in the town of Cairo and step back into the Roaring 20 with antique cars and motorcycles, antique vendors, 1920s music, food and demonstrations. Admission is free.
• Color in the Catskills September 30 – October 2 at Hunter Mountain. A great way for motorcyclists to enjoy the scenic fall foliage, tour country roads, enjoy seminars, test ride new motorcycles and vendors. Admission is free.
• Oktoberfest October 1-2, 8-9 at Hunter Mountain. Two special weekends of German fun. Enjoy music, local bands and family activities. Admission is free.
• Autumn Affair and Homecoming Weekend October 8 at Windham Mountain. Enjoy the skyride, the 5th annual Meatball Cook, Roll and Eat-Off, children's activities and a gourd-launching contest.
• The Thomas Cole National Historic Site Guided Hike October 15 in Catskill.  Discover where American art was born and take a guided hike to Sunset Rock and Catskill Mountain House to see the landscape that inspired the artists of the Hudson River School. Enjoy Community Day September 25, as well as special fall lectures and exhibits.  
• Bronck Museum Heritage Craft Fair October 2 in Catskill. Enjoy a special heritage exhibit, live music, wagon rides and shop for traditional American crafts on the grounds of this 345-year-old Dutch Farm. Admission is free.

About The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County:

Greene County is located in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains and the verdant Hudson River Valley, two hours from metro NYC and three hours from Boston.  The region is home to five of the 10 highest Catskill peaks and the Catskill State Park.   Greene County is renowned as the home of Thomas Cole's Hudson River School of Landscape Painting and the inspiration for Washington Irving's literary legend, Rip Van Winkle, and was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene.   This 286,000-acre wilderness offers abundant year-round outdoor recreation and unique cultural events.  For more information please visit www.greatnortherncatskills.com or connect with the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County on Facebook.

Contact:
Rebecca Steffan
(518) 523-9258
[email protected]

SOURCE The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County