Community

Stony Point’s Christmas Tree on the Hudson: A Holiday Tradition That Lights the River

Published

5 months ago

December 17, 2025

STONY POINT — As the sun sets over the Hudson River, a glowing Christmas tree has become a familiar and much-loved holiday sight for residents and visitors alike.

Each winter, a decorated evergreen floats near the riverbank in Stony Point, illuminating the dark December evenings and serving as a festive beacon along this historic stretch of the Hudson. While Stony Point’s tree is not as widely publicized as the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the Hudson Valley tradition has its own special place in the hearts of locals.

The practice of showcasing Christmas trees on the Hudson stretches back decades in the region. Notably, in 1977, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — a tradition that began in 1931 — traveled down the Hudson River by barge from Stony Point before being displayed in New York City’s Plaza, linking the town to one of the country’s most iconic holiday symbols.

Locally, the Stony Point river tree has taken on additional meaning in recent years. According to Hudson Valley observers, the floating and lit-up tree near the river is part of an informal tradition that residents share during the holiday season — a visual celebration of community spirit and a reminder of the town’s scenic riverside location.

Stony Point itself holds deep historical roots dating back to colonial times and the Revolutionary War, with landmarks such as the Stony Point Battlefield commemorating the town’s role in American history. This rich backdrop gives the holiday tree’s seasonal glow an added layer of local pride.

In addition to the tree on the Hudson, the town has begun hosting community events like holiday parades and tree-lighting ceremonies at Town Hall, bringing families together and spreading seasonal cheer across Rockland County.

For many in Stony Point and the Hudson Valley, the Christmas tree on the Hudson isn’t just a decoration — it’s a seasonal landmark that represents tradition, resilience and the joy of community celebration.

Photo: Veronica Yacano

Community

Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

Published

22 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

Community

Gran Fondo Bicycle Race Brings Energy and Traffic Delays to Rockland County

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With detours and some traffic delays throughout the day, many Rockland residents chose to make the best of the situation and enjoy the atmosphere as the Gran Fondo bicycle race made its way through Rockland County. Families, spectators, and local supporters gathered along the route to cheer on riders, turning the event into a fun and energetic community experience despite the temporary disruptions.