Beacon delights in diversity with spirit

Thousands show up for spirit day

By Rasheed Oluwa
Poughkeepsie Journal

 

Kathy McLaughlin/Journal Crowds line Main Street in Beacon prior to the Spirit of Beacon Day parade Sunday.

Kathy McLaughlin/Journal Katherine Montenegro, age 6, of Beacon waves the American flag as she rides on the Comite mi Gente float in the Spirit of Beacon Day parade. Comite mi Gente translates to Community of My People.

BEACON -- Thousands of people pulsed up and down Main Street in Beacon Sunday for the 26th annual Spirit of Beacon Day.

Whether it was the smell of Hispanic cuisine wafting through the air, the sight of school groups performing Irish dance or the stream of activity that passed through the local mosque, the components of the city's identity were on full display.

''It's a chance for people to not only brag about their individuality, but to brag about their community as well,'' Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould said Sunday. ''It's a chance to show that despite our cultures, we are really not all that different.''

The event began in 1977 after racial tensions divided the city. The theme for this year's Spirit of Beacon Day was Volunteers: America's Unsung Heroes.

Festivities kicked off with a parade featuring more than 30 different organizations and schools in the community.

Pataki joins the parade

Several politicians also joined Gould and members of the city council in the parade, including Gov. George Pataki; U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah; state Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan, R-Newburgh; Sen. Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie; and Dutchess County Legislators John Forman, R-Beacon, and John Ballo, D-Beacon.

Gould said she was particularly honored Pataki participated in the parade.

''We know that he has driven through here in the past and it's nice to know that he's expressed an interest in our city,'' she said. Also Sunday, Pataki announced a $9 million grant to improve Beacon's train station.

Abdullah Khabir, a Beacon resident and member of Masjid Ar-Rashid Islamic Teaching center, said he was pleased with the opportunity to interact with the community.

''It gives a chance to give Dawa, or to propagate the faith,'' he said. ''It also gives a chance to open up our doors to people and let them learn more about us.''

Mechia Barnes said she was just happy to be able get outside and enjoy the weather.

''Everybody is out and it gives you a chance to be with your friends and hang out,'' he said.

Steven Faria, a Queens resident, said he rode the train to Beacon after a friend told him about the celebration.

''It was a nice Sunday and I figured I'd come up here and get out of the city,'' he said. ''The parade was wonderful. I'm glad I came here.''

Double-dutch to Mexican steps

In addition to the vendors and educational booths, the Dutchess County Arts Council hosted several performances, ranging from a double-dutch jump rope exhibition performed by children at the Martin Luther King Center, to a performance of traditional Mexican dance.

Sherre Wesley, president of the county Arts Council, said the event provided the perfect venue.

''These people are neighbors who are also accomplished artists,'' she said. ''What we're trying to do is expose the people to different cultures that already exist in the city.''