Events

Juneteenth Is Our Country’s Second Independence Day

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

On the evening of January 1, 1863, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered and all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. The Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree.

Juneteenth is our country’s second independence day. This occasion has been celebrated by African American communities for over 150 years. Yet some Americans are not aware of this monumental event. On June 17, 2021 a bill was signed making Juneteenth the 11th American federal holiday. Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19th.

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.