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“A Special Fair Helping Special Needs” By County Executive Ed Day

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3 years ago

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Without question parenting often times is a thankless role. There is so much you’re doing for the good of your family day in and day out that nobody sees and, at times, is almost expected. It’s a lifelong responsibility with no manual, no training, and no compensation other than the joy of seeing your children learn and grow. There is no doubt the hardships and challenges that come with the charge are far greater for parents raising a child with special needs. This is exactly why back in 2019 I restored the county’s Office for People with Disabilities (OPWD).

The charge of the OPWD is to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and ensure they have access to all the rights and responsibilities they desire to exercise. The OPWD is an informational resource for people with disabilities by connecting families with available services, including an upcoming event I’m proud to highlight called the Rockland Resource and Transition Fair.

This annual fair offers support to students with special needs who are transitioning out of high school and into the world of work or other educational opportunities. As students leave high school, they experience a very big change. All during their school years they receive a variety of individualized services adjusted according to their needs. However, when they exit high school, they no longer receive those services automatically. They must know what to ask for and how to do so, which can be daunting for families and students who still need those services.

This transition fair was created to bridge that gap and make the transition a little easier for families. Multiple community-based agencies along with some colleges and other programs that service these young individuals will be at the fair showing multiple pathways available following high school, such as recreation, advocacy, education, and employment training. The highly interactive event, which includes presentations and break-out sessions, is scheduled for April 17th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Palisades Mall Community Rooms located on the 4th floor by the ice-skating rink.

In Rockland, we do not feel any parent should have to bear these challenges alone and encourage all families to attend this fair and take advantage of the help being offered to navigate these difficult decisions with comfort and confidence. We remind residents that our Office for People with Disabilities can be reached at 845-364-3980.

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Events

Rockland County Free Fall Festival Returns to West Nyack Oct. 18

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1 day ago

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October 14, 2026

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The Historical Society of Rockland County will host its 13th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18, bringing a day of family activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations and Revolutionary War reenactments to West Nyack.

Presented in partnership with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown, the free festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park.

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience local history, explore traditional crafts and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages.

Revolutionary War History Comes to Life

One of the festival’s featured attractions will be an encampment by Heard’s Brigade of the New Jersey Militia, offering a look at military life during the American Revolutionary War.

Visitors can explore 18th-century tents and watch demonstrations of open-fire cooking, militia drills and musket firing. Revolutionary War skirmish reenactments are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature tours of the historic Onderdonk-Tallman-Budke and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen houses, along with a presentation by Clare Sheridan titled “Who Was Naut Kanniff? The Story of the Witch of West Nyack.”

Traditional craft demonstrations will include lacemaking by Mayra Petretti of the Metropolitan Chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc., as well as wool and flax spinning demonstrations by Celeste Sherry.

Family Activities and Fall Fun

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the afternoon, including horse-drawn wagon rides scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Horses R Us 4-H Club will offer pumpkin picking, decorating and painting, while Fred DePaul will present sheep-shearing demonstrations at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children can also take part in colonial-era games presented by Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Balloony Toony Entertainment will provide balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Additional attractions will include free mini-golf, raffles, craft vendors and demonstrations. A pen-turning workshop hosted by the Hudson Valley Wood Turners will be available for participants ages 12 and older. Reservations are recommended, and interested participants can contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be part of the afternoon’s festivities, with balladeer Thaddeus MacGregor performing alongside Wee Jim the Limberjack. Additional musical entertainment will feature Scott Staton, Keith Olsen and Pat Keating.

Organizers invite residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon celebrating Rockland County’s history, heritage and fall traditions.

Event Information

  • What: 13th Annual Fall Festival
  • When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 131 Germonds Road, West Nyack, adjacent to Germonds Park
  • Admission: Free
  • Workshop reservations: Contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com for the pen-turning workshop.

With Revolutionary War reenactments, historic house tours, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fall activities, the festival will offer visitors a chance to experience local history while celebrating the season.

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Events

Spirit of Sobro Returns October 2 for 5th Annual Celebration

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2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2026

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Celebrating its fifth year, this popular community event is getting bigger, with the festivities expanding to a second block this year.

The event will stretch from Depew to the gas station, creating additional space for vendors and entertainment. Organizers say 45 vendors are expected, along with street performers, circus sideshows, live music, a DJ, drumming and more throughout the event.

One tradition will remain in place: the Tarot salon inside Modern Druid, which will be open throughout the evening.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support local vendors and performers, and help make this year’s celebration the biggest and most fun yet.

Bring your friends, spread the word and come enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, shopping and community.

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