FIRST FRIDAY POUGHKEEPSIE TO BRINGSAN GENNARO TO LITTLE ITALY

October event also features Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - a Family Services fundraiser, interactive mural and park bench paintings, cannoli-eating and Halloween costume contests

Poughkeepsie, NY - On Friday, Oct. 4, 5-8:30 p.m., join First Friday Poughkeepsie for San Gennaro, a festival for the ages! The event also features Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, a fundraiser to benefit Family Services and its domestic violence programs, as well as the famous cannoli eating contest, Halloween contest and more.

“First Friday Poughkeepsie is proud to bring back San Gennaro to Little Italy, and also support Family Services and popular Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser to draw attention to domestic violence,” said First Friday Co-chair Michelle Barone-Lepore. Fellow Co-chair Amanda Baxter added, “It’s partnerships like these that continue to show the collaborative, supportive spirit here in Poughkeepsie.”

The 9th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an international event held to stand up against sexual assault and gender and domestic violence. Originally held to challenge men to walk a mile in high-heeled shoes in solidarity with victims, this family-friendly event invites everyone in the community who wants to help save a life and raise awareness. To start a team, visit www.tinyurl.com/FirstFridayWalkaMile

In typical First Friday Poughkeepsie ‘Food Art Music’ fashion, those attending San Gennaro can try a variety of dishes and drinks from around Italy and other cultures from more than 30 vendors. Help paint the themed mural and park benches, play in the bounce house, and enjoy a magician and a face painter. And back by popular demand, the Costume Contest (and trick-or-treat with vendors) and Cannoli Eating Contest!

Entertainment includes live music by RockSteady and a special guest appearance from Italian sensation Giorgio who will be performing the international hit “We No Speak Americano.” As always, DJ Smitty will be spinning beats in between sets, emceed by our very own Michelle Barone-Lepore with a guest appearance from Mayor Rob Rolison and 1st Ward Councilmember Chris Petsas.

Closest parking will be available at the paid MTA garage at the Poughkeepsie Train Station just one block away from Little Italy, and FREE parking is available at Financial Plaza Parking Deck Downtown, just a short 10-minute walk down Mill Street to the event. 

Join us for the official First Friday Poughkeepsie After Party at Mill House Brewing Company, 289 Mill Street, in collaboration with Dutchess Beer Distributors, for food and drink specials all night. 

Don Minichino, First Friday Poughkeepsie co-chair, added, “2019 has brought us our first fireworks show, and record-breaking attendance and vendor participation to all corners of the City of Poughkeepsie. Welcome back to Little Italy for our biggest, best Primo Venerdì San Gennaro yet!”

Thanks to Founding Sponsors: Rhinebeck Bank and R.L Baxter Building Corporation

Thanks to Annual Sponsors: The Chamber Foundation, Inc., MINI of Dutchess County, Prime Print, ABC Supply, Bonura Hospitality Group, Levine & Levine PLLC,Veith Electric, Fit Social, Petro Home Services, Angelino Law, Royal Carting, The Irwin/Burlingame Group (Merrill Lynch), M&O Sanitation  

Thanks to Media Partners: iHeart Radio of the Hudson Valley, PKGO, Poughkeepsie Journal

Thanks to October Sponsors: Dingee’s Towing, Ready Coffee 

Thanks to October After-Party Sponsor: Mill House Brewing Company in collaboration with Dutchess Beer Distributors

Interested in getting involved in First Friday Poughkeepsie in 2020? For vendor, performer or sponsor info, email FirstFridayPK@gmail.com, and for volunteer info, contact Chris Grant, VolunteerFirstFridayPK@gmail.com  

About First Friday Poughkeepsie
First Friday Poughkeepsie is a monthly city-wide celebration from May thru October in neighborhoods throughout the City of Poughkeepsie. Referred to as a “movement” for the City, it features local food, art, and music, while highlighting the City as an attractive place to live, work and play. First Friday Poughkeepsie is proudly supported by Founding Sponsors R.L. Baxter Building Corporation and Rhinebeck Bank. For more info, visit www.FirstFridayPK.com, and follow us on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FirstFridayPoughkeepsie and Instagram atwww.Instagram.com/FirstFridayPK