Events

DEC Announces 2023 Exam Dates for Licensed Guides Program

Published

4 years ago

January 26, 2023

Online Exams to Become Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing or Kayaking, and Rock or Ice Climbing Guides

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced exam schedules for individuals seeking to become licensed guides. DEC is offering exams for guiding in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking, and rock or ice climbing.

“Licensed guides play a crucial role in safely introducing New Yorkers to the many natural treasures around them,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage outdoor enthusiasts who want to pass on their knowledge to others to take the exam and grow their environmental stewardship.”

A guide must be at least 18 years of age. Guides offer services for hire, directing, instructing, or aiding others in a variety of recreational activities. DEC’s Special Licenses Unit administers licensing of outdoor guides. Applicants are not required to be New York State residents to receive a license.

To provide enhanced access to examinations, DEC is offering licensed guide examinations online in 2023. Dates and registration details are below:

Feb. 3, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Feb. 1, 2023;
March 11, 2023 – In-person examinations will be offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association winter rendezvous meeting. Registration must be received by March 4, 2023;
March 31, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by March 29, 2023;
May 12, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by May 10, 2023;
June 23, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by June 21, 2023;
July 7, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by July 5, 2023;
Sept. 15, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Sept. 13, 2023; and
Oct. 13, 2023 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Oct. 11, 2023.

To register, directions are available on DEC’s 2023 Licensed Guide Exams Registration website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration and an additional one-time link for use to access the website on the date of the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam(s), applicants will receive information on applying for the appropriate guide license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination(s).

An outline of exam content, a study guide, and additional information can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program website. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and can be found at a local library or bookstore. A list of current New York State Licensed Guides is available online.

For questions or assistance, contact the Special Licenses Unit at NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925; Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.

Events

Congers Halloween Spooktacular October 31, 2026: Two Scare Experiences

Published

6 days ago

October 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Congers Halloween Spooktacular 2026 Announces Halloween Night Hours and Two Scare Experiences

Halloween is getting spooky in Congers! Organizers of the Congers Halloween Spooktacular 2026 have announced the official date and hours for this year’s event, which will take place for one night only on Saturday, October 31.

After days of preparation and setup, organizers confirmed that the popular Halloween display will offer two different experiences, giving families and thrill-seekers an opportunity to enjoy the festivities at their preferred scare level.

Family-Friendly, Scare-Free Hours

Families and visitors looking for Halloween fun without the fright can stop by between 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

During these hours, the attraction will offer a scare-free experience suitable for all ages. Organizers note that crew members may still be working around the property and putting the finishing touches on displays, but there will be no intentional scares during this time.

Full Scare Experience Begins at 6:30 p.m.

Once darkness falls, the full scare experience begins!

Starting at 6:30 p.m., visitors can experience the attraction’s more frightening side. Organizers say the event will continue until the line stops, allowing everyone waiting to have an opportunity to experience the Halloween scares.

Event Details

Event: Congers Halloween Spooktacular 2026
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Scare-Free Hours: 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Full Scare Experience: 6:30 p.m. until the line stops
Location: 99 Highway Avenue, Congers, NY

Food Donations Requested

Visitors are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation. All contributions will help support local charities and families in need.

Organizers say countless hours have gone into creating this year’s Halloween experience and are looking forward to welcoming the community.

With two experiences offered throughout the day and evening, the Congers Halloween Spooktacular promises one night of family-friendly Halloween fun and nighttime frights.

One night, two experiences, and plenty of scares!

Events

Nyack Halloween Parade 2026 Returns October 24 With Costumes and Floats

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The annual parade invites participants of all ages to march through the village as part of Nyack’s Halloween weekend celebrations.

Halloween festivities are set to take over the streets of Nyack on Saturday, October 24, as the village welcomes residents and visitors to its annual Nyack Halloween Parade.

Known for its creative costumes and festive atmosphere, the parade has been recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the Top 10 Halloween parades in the United States.

Participants are encouraged to put on their most daring, imaginative and spooky costumes and join the procession. Everyone is welcome to march, and those looking to take their Halloween spirit a step further can enter a float or participate in the costume contest for a chance to win prizes.

The parade is part of Halloweekend in Nyack, a broader celebration featuring a variety of Halloween-themed events throughout the village.

Other activities planned for the weekend include a nighttime cemetery tour, a science-fiction horror film festival and additional seasonal attractions.

With its mix of costumes, community participation and Halloween entertainment, Halloweekend offers an opportunity for families, friends and visitors to experience the festive atmosphere of the village.

The Nyack Halloween Parade takes place Saturday, October 24. Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the celebration and take part in one of the village’s signature Halloween traditions.