HUDSON— Columbia County will make history on Sunday, Aug. 17, with the region’s first Jewish cultural festival at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, 1 Water St., Hudson. Slated for 1 to 3 p.m. and open to visitors and residents of all faiths and backgrounds the free festival will celebrate Jewish culture and identity through music, food, art, and family activities.
“We’re thrilled to bring the first Jewish cultural festival to Columbia County,” said Rabbi Mendel Kremer, event organizer and director of Chabad of Columbia County.
The festival will feature live klezmer music from the Festival Klezmer Ensemble, showcasing musicians from across the northeast including Christina Crowder, Josh Sussman, Laura Melnicoff, and Zisl Slepovich.
According to the rabbi, attendees can expect a high-end kosher culinary experience featuring the 518 Kosher Food Truck, serving half-chicken dinners, brisket tacos, hotdogs, and other fresh options. The festival will also host a curated kosher wine tasting, offering guests the opportunity to sample kosher wines and discover the rich flavors of Jewish winemaking traditions from around the world. The Kona Ice truck will offer frozen treats like shaved ice with customizable flavors.
Family activities will include a dedicated Kids Fun Zone offering multiple moon bounces and an inflatable slide. Additional attractions include a live caricature artist creating personalized portraits on the spot, and an immersive presentation on “The Art of Jewish Scribing”— a workshop on the ancient art led by scribe Rabbi Leibel Kremer.
The City of Hudson Police Department will be onsite throughout the afternoon to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.
Festival organizers are seeking local vendors interested in showcasing their products or services, as well as corporate sponsors looking to support a meaningful community event while connecting with hundreds of local attendees.
Information may be obtained at www.columbiacountyjewishfestival.com or by calling 518-441-9528.
Chabad of Columbia County was founded in 2023 by Rabbi Mendel Kremer and his wife Rochie.
