On Aug. 24 the Village of New Paltz passed a resolution declaring the first week of October the inaugural “New Paltz Local Food Week.” Less than a week later, Hurricane Irene hit. As a result, this year’s local food week focus will be on helping the people in our community most impacted by the flooding.
Our first event is a kick-off potluck fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Water Street Market, with a $20 suggested donation. Six local bands will be performing: The Love Taps, Ratboy, Seth Davis, SnowBear, The Sweet Clementines and The Bubba Band. Local chefs will be preparing local food and there will be raffles contributed by local businesses and sign-ups for volunteer opportunities. Donated items and gift certificates for the raffle can be dropped off at The Mudd Puddle, The Antique Barn or Mixture.
On Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 6 p.m. at Hasbrouck Park, there will be an all-day benefit concert. General admission tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for college students and children age 12-18, and free admission for children under age 12. Kick-off event attendees on Oct. 2 can get these tickets for $5 off the regular price. There will also be $100 VIP tent tickets. This big musical event will include both local bands and musicians from afar — plugged in and acoustic. Confirmed bands to date include: Ratboy Jr., Mark Sager and the Black Horse Riders, the Trapps, Casey Erdman and Friends, the Greyhounds, Mr. Roper, Joobeco, Connor Kennedy Band, Hector Tejada (a local farmer who lost all of his crops), the Bow Thayer Band, Patrick Carlin (George Carlin’s Brother), Alexis P. Suter, and The Flood Aid All Stars: Steven Bernstein (of Levon Helm’s Band), Randy Ciarlante (of The Band), Byron Isaacs(of Levon Helm’s Band and Ollabelle), Jim Wieder (of The Band and Levon Helm’s Band) and much, much more.
Both events will be streamed live on the Internet via webcast. For more about New Paltz Flood Aid or to find out how to make donations or buy concert tickets, visit www.NewPaltzFloodAid.org .
We look forward to seeing the wonderfully supportive members of our community at these upcoming events.
Steve Casa, Butch Dener, Theresa Fall, Judy Ness, Debbie Rauch, Ben Resch
KT Tobin and Jason West
The New Paltz Flood Aid Planning Committee
Join the family! 
