The cancellation of Newburgh Illuminated did not stop the City of Newburgh from enjoying good weather, local food, music and spending time with one another during the “We Still Lit” Festival on Saturday, June 3. During the course of the day, city residents and guests had the opportunity to venture the East End to experience what the city businesses had to offer. The annual and beloved Illuminated festival was not able to be held prior to June and thus the announcement to cancel it entirely came out almost a month prior via Instagram. Within that time, local businesses came together and secured permits, food trucks and other amenities to continue to highlight the day and overall city community.

From the intersections of Liberty and Ann Streets down to the Washington Street intersection, the Liberty Street Block Party welcomed guests to craft foods, beverages, interactive art projects, a pop-up skatepark and live music. “You know, to look around and see everything, the amount of skaters that came out, the amount of people that are out here just watching the skaters and passing by the businesses, it’s cool to see the community really get together right now,” said Efrain Acosta, owner of Casa De Fxdes. “This is my city. I love my city.” “It’s amazing. It’s like every event that is held in Newburgh. It’s always a fantastic time,” said Matthew Boyea, owner of Hacienda Skate Shop. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of all the businesses on Liberty Street. Music, skating, art, everything, it all goes hand in hand.” “It feels a little bit rebellious. When the man shuts you down, the community will still gather together and make sure that something happens. And that’s legitimately how it feels,” said Jake Shaw, owner of Blueprint Plumbing.

The “Keeping the Lights On” Party hosted by Spirits Lab on Ann Street had guests come in during the course of the day to taste their signature projects and browse their tasting room along with enjoying food trucks and live music. On Broadway, Newburgh Mercantile hosted the “Art on the Block” celebration and hosted interactive art engagements with a paint and sip event later on, all while the Newburgh Farmers Market at the Safe Harbors Green was able to share their products with the local community.

“It’s great to be here for this block party on June 3, which sees everyone kind of coming together, in celebration of all things Newburgh,” said Philippe Pierre, owner of Mama Roux, Midnight Ferry and Fairfax. “It’s great to see everybody coming out, the weather cooperating and a sense of, just a relaxed sense of community.” Children were also able to enjoy art installations and other activities from the DIA Beacon and Storm King Art Center collaborations that Pierre was able to bring for the day.

Over the course of the day, the Newburgh Brewing Company hosted its first annual Colden Street Festival with a beer garden, food trucks and live music all day for the guests. T-shirt making and fitness classes were added amenities to the all day celebration for visitors to participate and enjoy. “I think it’s wonderful. People are having fun. The weather is perfect. Not too hot. The kids are having a great time. And I think we need to do it again,” said Michele Basch, owner of the Wherehouse. “It’s just, it’s about Newburgh. It’s not about anything negative. It’s about everything positive from the City of Newburgh, the people here and we want to show that to all.”

The festival was made possible through the collaboration of varying businesses such as the Newburgh Brewing Company, Fairfax & Midnight Ferry, The Wherehouse, Newburgh Mercantile, Spirits Lab, APG Pilates, Casa de Fxdes, Mama Roux, Betty’s Snack Bar, Café Little Treasure, Hip Hop Heaven, Palate Wines & Spirits, Cream Boutique, Lewis Lifestyle Boutique, Razor Sharp, Blanca’s Tailoring, Hendley & Co., La Mexicana, Crab a Bag, Terrace Tavern, Bivona’s Simply Pasta, Grow Newburgh, Liberty & Beauty, 2 Alices Coffee Lounge, G&H Deli, Hacienda Skate Shop and many more.