On Saturday, June 12, 2010, the Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) invites residents and visitors to join them at the Claudio Marzollo Community Center of Philipstown, off Route 9D in Garrison, for the 6th annual HHLT Family Festival—a rollicking, old-fashioned community barbeque celebrating the beauty of the Highlands. The festivities start at 4pm with live music and lots of fun, outdoor activities. Barbeque dinner will be served at 5:30pm. The fun continues for families “Sleeping Over Under the Stars.” The community campout on the premises includes an evening singalong and morning breakfast.

The event will feature the music of Poughkeepsie bluegrass band and festival favorite NO BRAKES. Wildlife presenter Bill Robinson will exhibit live birds of prey, including an owl, in preparation for the overnight campers’ Owl Prowl Hike. Whether you plan to pitch a tent or not, you don’t want to miss this close-up look at these magnificent birds.

Once again, the Land Trust will donate all event proceeds to the Garrison Children’s Education Fund and the Haldane School Foundation in support of school environmental programs.

The Family Festival is being sponsored through the generosity of Turner Construction Company. The Philipstown Recreation Department, Open Space Institute, and Putnam Highlands Audubon Society are also providing generous support to the event.

The Festival will feature a raffle with great prizes donated by West Point Football, Bear Mountain Trailside Museum and Zoo, and Habitat for Artists.

Admission to the Family Festival is $10/individual ($15 the day of), or $25/ family ($30 the day of), and includes BBQ dinner. Overnight campers must preregister, and the cost is $50/ family. This includes festival admission, BBQ and breakfast. In accordance with its mission to preserve natural resources, HHLT is not issuing tickets for this event. Call the Land Trust office to get more information and register at 424-3358 or visit hhlt.org. Walk-ins can register for the festival at the admission table on the day of the event at the Community Center.