HUDSON, NY - Approximately 400 people gathered at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park on Sunday, July 26, for the second annual Columbia County Jewish Festival, marking significant growth over last year’s event and further establishing the festival as a growing annual regional celebration of Jewish life and culture.

The festival brought together families and community members from throughout Columbia County and the surrounding region for an afternoon of Jewish culture, live entertainment, kosher food and family fun.

A speaker takes the microphone under the Columbia County Jewish Festival banner at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park. Photo: Tasha Hurley Photography

Attendees enjoyed a live concert by Tali Yess, a giant bubble show, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, children’s crafts, wine tasting and a variety of kosher festival food.

A massive mobile LED video wall featured engaging content about kosher food, mezuzahs, Jewish traditions and community life, creating a striking and educational centerpiece for the festival.

The festival was honored to welcome Hudson Mayor Joseph Ferris, Columbia County Sheriff Jackie Salvatore, Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant, Columbia County Judge Brian Herman, Hudson Common Council President Margaret Morris and other elected officials and community leaders.

Attendees gather at the second annual Columbia County Jewish Festival in Hudson. Photo: Tasha Hurley Photography

“The festival was an incredible celebration of Jewish life and community,” said Rabbi Mendel Kremer, director of Chabad of Columbia County. “It was beautiful to see approximately 400 people from so many different backgrounds come together for such a happy, positive and uplifting afternoon. The energy was amazing and people truly had a wonderful time.”

Festival organizers expressed their gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, public officials, law enforcement agencies and community partners who helped make the event possible.

“The response this year showed that the festival is becoming an important annual gathering for the entire region,” Rabbi Kremer said. “We look forward to continuing to grow and welcoming even more people in the years ahead.”

Following the success of the festival, Chabad of Columbia County is now preparing for the upcoming High Holiday season, with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, holiday meals and community programs open to people of all backgrounds.

For more information about upcoming programs and High Holiday services, visit www.jewishcolumbiacounty.com.

The Columbia County Jewish Festival is organized by Chabad of Columbia County and is open to people of all backgrounds.