Hudson Children’s Book Festival News!

2020 HudsonChildren’sBookFestival Painting Fundraiser

Saturday March 21 – 3pm
@ Club Helsinki
405 Columbia St, Hudson

$35 per guest includes painting supplies, detailed instruction by the Roaming Paintress and donation to the book festival
– Drinks may be purchased separately –
Please register online in advance at www.roamingpaintress.com with $10 deposit to reserve your seat – Balance can be paid in Cash Only at the event
Registration for this event will close on April 11th

Winner of our 2020 HCBF logo contest

Ms. Albino’s art students competed to design our 2020 HCBF logo and were given the theme of Earth Day to work with as this is the 50th anniversary year. Madison Schlenker was the winner.  She did not want to be in the picture, so Ms. Albino is there holding the t-shirt with the winning design.

Winner of our 2019 HCBF logo contest

Shami Miah, a 9th grader in Ms. Albino’s art class, won the 2019 HCBF Logo contest.

Winner of our 2018 HCBF logo contest

Hudson High art student, Morgan DePasse, was chosen as the winner of our HCBF logo contest.  Thank you to Morgan for using your artistic talent to create a new logo for our 10th anniversary celebration!  Many thanks to Ms. Albino and all of her students who entered the contest.  Congratulations, Morgan!

Press release for the Holiday House Tour fundraiser

CONTACT: Betsy Miller – dotcom@telenet.net – 607.588.9828

PHOTO CAPTION: A miniature trolley along with a replica of Hudson were among the decorations on display as part of the Hudson Holiday House Tour, hosted by the Hudson Lodging Association.  With a light snow falling, more than 150 ticket holders visited 5 houses in Hudson.  The event was a benefit for the Hudson Children’s Book Festival.  Photo by Kara Keeler.

An Insider’s View of the Hudson House Tour

HUDSON – With the season’s first snowfall covering the sidewalks, more than 150 ticket holders braved the winter weather to view several of Hudson’s historic home as part of the Hudson Holiday House Tour.  Bundled in layers, muffled with scarves and topped with earmuffs and knit caps, visitors walked the city’s grid from North 5th Street to Front Street.  Each stop along the way was an opportunity to see gorgeous interiors from different periods in Hudson’s history. Houses dating from the early 18th century to the late 19th century were included – all decorated for the Holidays.

“The tour was wonderful,” said Jennifer Clark, a volunteer for the benefit charity, the Hudson Children’s Book Festival.  “One home, the Hudson B&B (1792), has housed many of our visiting authors over the years.  I was glad to [have the opportunity to] explore it.”  Clark also remarked on “the largest scrabble board I’ve ever seen” at the Inn at 34 (1840).

“I had lines down Fifth Street,” said Westcott House (1866) owner Christine Boeke.  “Everyone was nice and patient about getting in.  The guests I spoke with were extremely positive and happy for this winter diversion.” Added Carolyn Lawrence, proprietor of Hudson B&B, “People seemed to enjoy it immensely.  I lost track of the numbers, but we served a gallon of cider and an untold number of cookies. The snow added a festive note.”

Bob Rasner, host at 34 South 2nd Street had baked his prize-winning recipe for scones to distribute among the visitors.  “I think I passed out a wheelbarrow full,” he said.  “Nothing but smiles from everyone in the crowd.”  Rasner greeted guests with a brief history of the house.  “When this home was new,” he said, “Martin Van Buren was President and Queen Victoria was just about to start her reign. This house had no electricity, no plumbing and no running water.”  “Our guests appreciated knowing the context of life during that time,” he added.

The tour also included Croff House (1875)  and concluded at Merchant House (ca. 1709) where the ticketholders were served free refreshments with background Holiday tunes provided by musicians Zoe Auerbach and Nick Edwards. “We had a great time”, Auerbach said.  “The space was beautiful and the people really seemed to be enjoying themselves.”

Several of the home owners took advantage of volunteer docents from the Hudson Children’s Book Festival.  Whether just acting as greeters, or answering questions, they seemed to enjoy participating.  Many are teachers in the Hudson School system.  “It was a really wonderful evening,” Clark concluded.  “Such a great idea and I think the snow helped make it extra special.”

Courtney Sheinmel

David A. Kelly

Diane deGroat

Doug Snelson