Calendar of Events 2008
 

Hudson Valley Bounty
Impressionist Orchards and Vineyards
A Solo Exhibition of Paintings by Christine Debrosky
 On view May 1 - June 8, 2008

Reception for the Artist
Friday, May 16 from 5 to 8 pm

"The Hudson Valley is home to the first apple trees planted in this country, and also boasts the oldest vineyards. I have found that no matter what other artistic avenues I may explore, I return again and again to our famed orchards. As a native of the area, I delight in the nuances of the day’s light, and marked change of seasons. As an artist I find the planned geometry, and mosaic of form and color irresistible. Since I’ve been working with this subject (for over 25 years) I have sadly noted the demise of many of the old orchards. More often than not, they have given way for development, or sometimes simply abandoned. I’ve been fortunate to have painted some before the loss. On a more positive note, I’ve added vineyards to the exploration of the subject, and am delighted that there are numerous new plantings in the area. To have the opportunity to present a body of work dealing exclusively with this beloved subject is a great pleasure."  Christine Debrosky

Guided Hike on the New Trails
Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 10 am

You've read about it in the newspaper.  Now come enjoy the new trails on the Southwood and Edgehill estates recently purchased by Locust Grove and now open to the public!  In celebration of Preservation Month, join Locust Grove staff for this guided hike on which you will enjoy scenic vistas, tranquil groves of trees, and a rare opportunity to view historic photos of three amazing historic estates.  Some rough terrain, appropriate hiking attire required. Fee: $3

 

SPRING 5K TRAIL RACE
Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 6 pm

A race to benefit the upkeep of this National Historic Landmark's trail system.  The scenic, all-trail course winds along historic carriage roads overlooking the Hudson.  Fresh flowers from the site’s greenhouse and gardens will be awarded to the top three runners in all men's and women's divisions.  T-shirts, refreshments & dinner will be served to all pre-registered runners.  Limit 150 runners.  Registration: $15 non-refundable (by May 7), $18 day of race (4 – 5:30 PM).

 

 

“The Event of the Year” 
The Annual Locust Grove
Garden Party
Reflections on the Hudson
Friday, June 6, 2008

Forget tea and white gloves. The 13^th Annual Locust Grove Garden Party, Reflections on the Hudson, has cocktails, filet mignon, trips to tropical destinations (as part of the Silent Auction) and dancing to New Orleans funk. Given the blooming location and the new night – FRIDAY, June 6^th – the event promises to be the most exciting ever.

“We’re pleased to be honoring the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College for promoting our collective heritage through its educational outreach programs,” noted Garden Party Chair Denise VanBuren, Vice President of Public Affairs and Energy Efficiency, Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation.

The Garden Party is the largest annual fund-raiser for Locust Grove, with a goal of $85,000. Individual tickets are $150. Table sponsorships are still available at $3,000, $2,500 and $1,500 levels, and Silent Auction donations are still being sought.  “The auction will deliver some surprises this year. If you buy your tickets early, we’ll e-mail you updates on some of the most unique items on offer,” Ms. VanBuren explained.
           
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 pm. Catering is by Oliver Kita Fine Catering and music is by Crawdaddy. For information about sponsorships, Garden Party Journal advertising or to purchase tickets, contact Ann Melious, Director of Development, at 845 454-4500, ext. 12; a.melious@lgny.org.

 

  Landscape Garden Tour
  Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 11 am

Join the horticulturists for a tour of our beautiful Landscape Garden. Participants will see the gardens and grounds with a new appreciation for the deft hand of Samuel Morse, our most famous resident gardener. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather.  Picnics are encouraged before or after the tour.  Admission $3

 

Vegetable Garden Tour
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 11 am

What can a parsnip tell you about the past?  Join the horticulturists for a fascinating tour of our quarter-acre heirloom vegetable garden (ca. 1750 - 1900) and learn about our most famous residents through the food they grew and ate.  Picnics are encouraged after the tour.  Admission $3
 

SUMMER LAWN CONCERT SERIES
Sundays Afternoons from 1 to 3 pm
June 22 – August 17, 2008 

Presented in conjunction with

& Estabrook Capital Management
Summer marks the start of the 9^th annual Lawn Concert Series when the veranda of the site’s Italianate mansion is transformed into a stage for free live music performances.  Scenic Hudson River views and great music await those who venture out to Locust Grove on Sunday afternoons with their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets in tow.  All concerts are FREE thanks to sponsorship support.
This program is made possible (in part) through a grant from the Dutchess County Arts Council, administrator of public funds through the New York State Council on the Arts' Decentralization Program.

 

SUNSET SENSATIONS
A UNIQUE WINE & FOOD SAMPLING SERIES
Second Thursday of the Month,
June – November, 2008 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
(June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13)

On the second Thursday of the month from June through November, come to Locust Grove and enjoy a magnificent Hudson River sunset while sipping fine wines paired with delicious culinary creations.  Hors d'oeuvres will feature seasonal vegetables from the heritage gardens at Locust Grove.  Visitors will also be treated to informal wine pairing presentations, a tour of the vegetable garden, and cooking demonstrations by the featured chef of the month.   We will end the series with a special beer tasting in October and spirits tasting in November.
Tickets: $22 in advance ($20 members), $25 day of event, $120 for series of six

 The Sunset Sensations Series is presented by   

                 ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
                    Sunday, July 13, 2008

Take a step back in time as Locust Grove presents a car show on the lawns of the historic estate.  The grounds will be open to visitors from 8 AM - 4 PM.  All show cars will be on the field by noon.  Judging will begin at 1 PM, and the award ceremony will begin at 3 PM.  Awards will be given to the top cars from each of the decades represented in the show.  Admission: $5/person, children 12 and under, free.

 

 

SUMMER DAY CAMP AT LOCUST GROVE
August 4 - 29, 2008
Weekly sessions for children entering grades 2nd thru 6th

Located at the beautiful estate of the 19^th-century artist and inventor Samuel Morse, the Locust Grove Summer Day Camp offers quality programming that is both entertaining and educational.  Drawing inspiration from Morse’s artistic achievements and his invention of the telegraph and Morse code, the camp encourages children to explore their inner “Renaissance child” through a variety of hands-on activities that showcase the four main themes of the estate: Science, Art, History, and Nature.  The camp offers children exclusive access to the site’s main attractions, which include the historic buildings, heirloom gardens, culinary facilities, art gallery, science center, and more.  Small group sizes and a staff of experienced professionals serve to create a relaxed atmosphere in which all campers thrive.  For a unique summer experience that your child will always remember, Locust Grove is a fabulous choice.

 

SUMMER 5K TRAIL RACE
Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 6 pm

The scenic, all-trail course winds along carriage roads overlooking the Hudson.  Fresh organic produce from the site’s heirloom vegetable garden will be awarded to the top three runners in all men's and women's divisions.  T-shirts, refreshments & dinner served to all pre-registered runners.  Limit 150 runners.  Registration fees: $15 non-refundable (due July 30th), $18 day of race (4:00 – 5:30 PM).