Monday, June 30, 2008

An Event T.R. Would Have Been Proud Of


The Jazz festival/ fourth of July celebration was really something last night. Thousands of people were in attendance and it was just a great community event. For the past two years local businesses have picked up the tab for the fireworks, and the City of Kingston provides a full staff of people to make sure things run smoothly. Late Mayor T.R. Gallo started the event several years ago and made it what is today, he absolutely loved this event.I couldn't help but look around today and think how proud he would have been tonight.

A special thanks to Mayor Sottile, the mayor's task force, Kathy Janeczek, Katie Cook, Toni Roser, all the local Kingston businesses and everyone else that really worked hard to put this on.


One observation from yesterday's event was there were a ton of people walking around with Hein and Auerbach stickers on. I was very impressed with the amount of support and name recognition the two have so early on in the campaign...both were in attendance at yesterdays event.

And to be fair both Len Bernardo and Jim Quigley also showed up... at around 830 or so, I was heading down to the docks and heard a loud voice yell, HEY BLABER.... I looked up and saw Jim Quigley off in the distance of the crowd. Quigley came up to me with Bernardo and said I just want it to be known the out of towner's were here...a reference to a blog posting a few days ago. Duly noted, Mr. Quigley.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Overtime and giveaways to campaign helpers - what a deal for taxpayers!

Anonymous said...

It was a great show

Anonymous said...

I noticed that Hein and Auerbach weren't at the Ulster County Community Foundation Garden Party Sunday afternoon (which is why Mr. Quigely and Bernado were late to Kingston). Mr. Bernardo and Mr. Quigley had a lot of supporters there.

Anonymous said...

Like T.R., you and the mayor can't read a calendar. Fourth of July is this coming weekend.

Anonymous said...

Agreed, a great fireworks show !

Jeremy Blaber said...

139-- T.R.'s celebration is held a week before so it does not compete with other local communities.

Anonymous said...

Which is basically saying, we can't compete with other communities. Kingston celebrates everything early, just so that we don't ever get a reputation of actually being the place someone would choose for the 4th. Says a lot doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

Don't worry Jeremy, some folks just love the literal...my birthday was on May 29th, but I didn't celebrate it until a week later, because of work. Competition is a part of business. I would have done the same. In response to your post, I was glad to see all the candidates in attendance. It was a stellar event again, as it has been. I hope to see these candidates more often, pushing for a well educated November decision...

Anonymous said...

The 4th of July shouldn't be about competing with other communities. It's about celebrating the founding of our nation. Turning it into a commercial event a week early shows a lack of respect for the holiday and its origin. The organizers would rather be somewhere else on the actual holiday. It's also unfair to the kids in Kingston. Their hometown doesn't celebrate the 4th of July on the 4th of July. What message does that send to them?

Anonymous said...

Hey, rightwing.liberal (12:49PM) - My birthday is May 29th, too. I got used to sharing the day with Memorial Day observances, JFK's birthday, and the backyard BBQs.
"It's my party and I'll blow out the candles when I'm good and ready..."

Unlike personal birthdays which fall on a date and time certain without regard to when we schedule our celebration, the fireworks displays to celebrate Independence are cultural celebrations which don't necessarily have so much to do with the date. We can celebrate our national independence anytime.

Anonymous said...

To Jim Shaughnessy,

Amen!