Funds raised will support the long-term growth and sustainability of the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York.

On Friday, October 7 from 6-10 p.m., the community is invited to celebrate Starry Starry Night and the 13^th anniversary of the opening of Walkway Over the Hudson on the banks of the Hudson River at Upper Landing Park in Poughkeepsie. For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit walkway.org/starrystarrynight.

Guests will sip delicious local creations and savor the bounty of the Hudson Valley before taking a moonlit elevator ride with friends to stroll the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge at twilight, soaking in amazing views you can’t find anywhere else. All attendees will be amazed by the talents of local artists and musicians and awed by a one-of-a-kind fireworks experience.

“Starry Starry Night is the Walkway’s signature fundraiser,” said Ron Lane, Friends of the Walkway board member and co-chair of the event organizing committee.  “The food, drink, entertainment, and camaraderie our guests will experience is second to none, and the support is a significant reason why we’re able to keep adding new amenities to the park to improve the Walkway experience.”

“On October 7, we celebrate the Walkway’s many accomplishments over the past decade and give thanks to the community for their generous support, and re” said Sarah Johnstone Levine, co-chair of the event organizing committee. “It’s also the perfect time to honor the outstanding leadership of Elizabeth Waldstein and welcome back many old friends that have played a significant role in the Walkway’s growth.”

Starry Starry Night proudly honors the transformative work and leadership of Elizabeth Waldstein, the Friends of the Walkway’s longest-tenured executive director, as well as acknowledges many of the Great Connectors whose contributions turned a derelict railroad bridge into a world-renowned destination for recreation, history, community, and culture.

“Being able to reflect on Elizabeth’s legacy of success makes this year’s Starry Starry Night truly special,” said Diane Haight, Interim Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway. “As she becomes a Great Connector herself, it will be wonderful to have so many of our past honorees in attendance to welcome her into this amazing group that has meant so much to the Walkway and the entire Hudson Valley.”

Through raising tens of million dollars, Waldstein led the development of transformative infrastructure projects like the Ulster Welcome Center, Dutchess Welcome Center, East Gate Plaza, on-bridge lighting, and the Walkway’s waterfront elevator while shaping the Friends of the Walkway organization, the Greater Walkway Experience, and the signature volunteer ambassadors into visible, sustainable programs that impact hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year.

“Elizabeth’s work and the contributions of our Great Connectors is a significant reason why the Walkway has become the beloved destination that it is today,” said Maureen Solero, Chair, Friends of the Walkway Board of Directors.  “Starry Starry Night is the perfect time to celebrate the Hudson Valley, the Walkway, and the people that make our region so special while supporting the important work that is still to be done.”

Starry Starry Night is chiefly supported by Ursa Major sponsors Dr. Lucy Waletzky, Nuvance Health, One Dutchess Luxury Apartments, Michael Fleischer and Michael Dupree, Marshall & Sterling, and Tompkins Community Bank. Tickets cost $175 per person and are available at walkway.org/starrystarrynight.