Updated 12/04/2010 05:07 PM
Rhinebeck residents celebrate Sinterklaas
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RHINEBECK, N.Y. -- The day-long event includes festive decorations, costumes, lanterns, flags and banners, all made by the residents. Music and theatre performances were enjoyed by all in addition to storytelling, dancing, and a parade.
Although the program lost major grants this year, it didn't stop the community from their celebration. "And finally we said the drop dead date is October 22nd. If we don't have the money by October 22nd, we're not doing it. And we didn't have the money by October 22nd and we kept doing it. And I think the reason was we just see the children, we see their faces and we realized we couldn't let that spirit die," said Jeanne Fleming, the event organizer.
Community members came together with donations to make the event a success. They helped raise the nearly $24,000 dollars needed to hold Sinterklaas. The annual event is held to honor area children and celebrate community. It lasts until midnight Saturday.