At noon today, Hudson Hall announced it would no longer be producing Winter Walk, the event that has been kicking off the holiday season in Hudson since 1997. The following is the press release that shared the sad news.
For nearly three decades, Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, a small nonprofit community arts organization, has produced Winter Walk, a cherished annual tradition in Hudson showcasing the City’s vibrant creative community and unique small businesses, bringing joy and holiday magic to residents and visitors alike. It is with heavy hearts Hudson Hall today announces Winter Walk will not take place in 2024.
Winter Walk grew from very humble beginnings. One evening in 1997, Carole Clark conceived the idea for Winter Walk in her restaurant (Charleston, now Baba Louie’s). Together with other founding members of the Hudson Opera House Board of Directors including Ellen Thurston and Sarah Lipsky, “A Winter Walk on Warren Street” was born, taking place mainly on the 500 and 600 blocks of Warren Street.
“We wanted people to become aware of what was happening in Hudson and on Warren Street,” says Lipsky, who volunteered to coordinate Winter Walk from 1997-2000. “There were so many incredible shops and talented people who had opened businesses. People had such a negative view of Hudson, so many people in the County wouldn’t even come into Hudson. We wanted a way to light up the street at night, showcase musicians and performers in a festive way, and for people in the County to see how Hudson was evolving.”
As Hudson’s business district grew, Winter Walk grew with it, eventually expanding to encompass the entire length of Warren Street. Crowds from across the region came to enjoy an evening of holiday shopping, local performers animating the brightly decorated shops, family-friendly activities and attractions on the street, and to view the grand fireworks display. As the Warren Street business district came back to life, so did Hudson Hall. In 2017, Hudson Hall celebrated the grand re-opening of its magnificent performance hall, returning New York State’s oldest surviving theater to community use for the first time in over 55 years. Today, Hudson Hall offers a dynamic schedule of music, theater, dance, film, visual arts, and literary events, free workshops for youth as well as family programs, and large-scale events such as the Hudson Jazz Festival.
Over the years, Winter Walk grew in both attendance and scope. But declining support in the post-pandemic landscape coupled with rapidly rising costs created a growing Winter Walk deficit. By 2023, Winter Walk had become too large for Hudson Hall to produce on its own and the financial deficit too deep for Hudson Hall to subsidize. To steward Winter Walk into the future, last year Hudson Hall formed a co-producing partnership with the City of Hudson, the Hudson Business Coalition, the Hudson Development Corporation, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and the Columbia Economic Development Corporation. However, and despite everyone’s best efforts, it became clear Winter Walk requires resources beyond what is available by all involved to carry it forward.
“Winter Walk is a beloved community event. Following much deliberation with our Board of Directors, Winter Walk partners, and key stakeholders, Hudson Hall has made the difficult decision to step down from producing Winter Walk” says Hudson Hall Executive Director, Tambra Dillon. “We are deeply grateful to the many artists, performers, community groups, business owners, volunteers, and supporters who helped make Winter Walk Hudson’s largest, brightest, and most colorful event of the year, and to the City of Hudson and the Hudson Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments who underpinned its safety and success.”
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Hudson Hall for the tireless dedication and passion they’ve poured into organizing Winter Walk over the years. Their commitment has created countless cherished memories for all of us,” said Mayor Kamal Johnson. “I understand how difficult this decision to step down must be, but I hope they know how much their efforts have meant to the community. While it’s bittersweet to see this chapter close, I’m hopeful that a new generation will rise to continue the legacy, ensuring the spirit of Winter Walk lives on for years to come."
In the spirit of Winter Walk, Hudson Hall will host a free family-friendly holiday event on Saturday, December 7, with musical performances, activities for kids, and an exhibition of student artwork from around the region. Children will be invited to meet with Santa and receive a free gift-wrapped book. Harmony Project Hudson, the Hudson Community Choir, the Hudson City School District Band program and others will give a free holiday concert in Hudson Hall’s performance hall. On Saturday, December 21, Hudson Hall presents Operation Unite NY’s annual Kwanzaa celebration, followed by fireworks to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Warren Street will remain open to traffic for all events.
Additional “Hudson for the Holidays” events kick off with the lighting of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse (Saturday, November 2), and continue with attractions including Basilica Farm & Flea (November 29 - December 1), Santa’s Village and a tree-lighting at 7th Street Park (Saturday, December 7), and the lighting of the Menorah, also at 7th Street Park (Wednesday, December 25).
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