The Count Down Has Begun!

We are less than one month away from the 35th Annual Uncle Sam Parade and Celebration... However the festivities are set to get underway next Saturday August 21st with the Miss Uncle Sam Pageant.

This is the last call for entrants for the Miss Uncle Sam Pageant. Alta Reynolds, director of the Uncle Sam Pageant, is now accepting applications from young ladies from Rensselaer County. The pageant will be held on Saturday, August 21, 10:00am, and conducted in St. Augustine's Hall located on the corner of 114th Street and 4th Avenue in Lansingburgh.

For brochures and more information please write to: Uncle Sam Pageant, Alta Reynolds, 8 Bank Street, Troy, NY 12180 or call Alta at 274-7294. Don't miss out on being named to the Miss Uncle Sam Court during this milestone 35th Anniversary Year!

This year's parade will feature a number of new bands and participants and there is a rumor that the US Air Force may make a quick but special appearance to mark this very special year. A fun time is guaranteed for all.


The following is a list of events leading up to and including the 35th Parade:

1. Uncle Sam Jam and Power in the Park Car Show
at Powers Park on Saturday August 28 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm









2. Annual Uncle Sam Grave Side Ceremony conducted by the Veterans of Lansingburgh.
at Oakwood Cemetery Saturday September 11th beginning at 10am

3. Annual Citizen of the Year Brunch conducted by the Uncle Sam Parade Committee
at the Veterans of Lansingburgh Saturday September 11th following the Grave Side Ceremony. For tickets call me, Jim Gordon, at 365-2270.

This year we honor John Murphy the owner of Snowman ice cream of Lansingburgh as our Citizen of the Year. We will honor our Grand Marshal Mayor Harry J Tutunjian and our Humanitarian of the Year David Hamilton.

4. 35th Annual Uncle Sam Parade
5th Avenue from 125th to 106th Streets in Lansingburgh. Parade marches rain or shine.

5. Uncle Sam Celebration
at Kinickerbacker Park, live music featuring THE HOLLIES, BADFINGER, & BILLY J KRAMER and THE DAKOTAS with Blue Hand Luke in one of their final shows together and Donny "Elvis", an international food court, rides and games for the kids, and FIREWORKS! Beings at the conclusion of the parade.


Finally on a Side Note: The Parade Committee is currently conducting a ticket raffle. For a $100 chance you have the opportunity of winning a grand prize of $10,000 or one of our eight other prizes that range from $1,000 to $250.... Only 250 tickets will be sold.... if your interested or would like more information please email me at jgordon003@nycap.rr.com... All proceeds will benefit the 2010 Parade and Celebration.

The British are coming!

As I have mentioned several times on this blog we have hired a world renown music act to help celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Uncle Sam Parade and Celebration... To further example the international harmony shared between the United States and the English we will be joined by Billy J Kramer and the Dakota's, the Hollies' Terry Sylvester (inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2010), and Badfinger's Joey Mulland as they present their Liverpool Invasion show. These three legendary stars will perform a show full of hits that include "Long Cool Woman," "Bus Stop," "Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Bad to Me," and "From A Window" to name a few. This will prove to be a must see show and it's FREE!!! Prior to to this performance Donny "Elvis" will return once again this year along with Blue Hand Luke... Three acts... a day full of family fun and entertainment... Sunday September 12 following the 35th Annual Uncle Sam Parade and Celebration...



The Uncle Sam celebration is a two day event... On Saturday September 11th beginning at 10am The Veterans of Lansingburgh will conduct the Annual Uncle Sam Grave Side Ceremony in Oakwood Cemetery. This is a celebration of patriotism honoring those who serve and have served and the legacy of "Uncle" Samuel Wilson... Following the grave site ceremony the Parade Committee will host the Annual Citizen of the Year Brunch at the Veterans of Lansingburgh. Stay tuned for more information on the brunch and the 2010 honorees.

Side Note: The Parade Committee is currently conducting a ticket raffle. For a $100 chance you have the opportunity of winning a grand prize of $10,000 or one of our eight other prizes that range from $1,000 to $250.... Only 250 tickets will be sold.... if your interested or would like more information please email me at jgordon003@nycap.rr.com... All proceeds will benefit the 2010 Parade and Celebration.

Finally, last call for entrants for the Miss Uncle Sam Pageant. Alta Reynolds, director of the Uncle Sam Pageant, is now accepting applications from young ladies from Rensselaer County. The pageant will be held on Saturday, August 21, 10:00am, and conducted in St. Augustine's Hall located on the corner of 114th Street and 4th Avenue in Lansingburgh.

For brochures and more information please write to: Uncle Sam Pageant, Alta Reynolds, 8 Bank Street, Troy, NY 12180 or call Alta at 274-7294. Don't miss out on being named to the Miss Uncle Sam Court during this milestone 35th Anniversary Year!

Putting for Dough - Local Charity Golf Outings

I love to golf. If possible I would play everyday of the week. I routinely travel near and far to experience all the great courses in and around our region and state. When we go away for vacation my clubs come with me. Golf has become a passion and an enjoyable past time for many individuals. But what makes it even more enjoyable is when you’re playing in one of the many benefit outings held each summer season. Benefit golf tournaments have proven to be a great way to raise money for any cause or an organization. Below are a few outings conducted by Troy organizations that are coming up and being a few are even being played at our own Frear Park. Sorry if I have overlooked your event, if I did please email me, jgordon003@nycap.rr.com, the events information and I will gladly add it to the list!

• On June 25th, the “Mayors Cup Charity Classic” will be held. This year the proceeds raised through the tournament will benefit Troy’s “Hook a Kid on Golf” initiative. This initiative is an introductory program for kids ages 8-15. Kids will be introduced to the rules and etiquette of the game, as well as take part in instructional classes on driving, iron play, chipping, and putting. This is a six week program that begins July 12th at Frear Park. In addition to the funds raised through the Mayors Cup, the program also accepts sponsors to help offset the $135 cost per child fee. Visit www.Troyny.gov for more information on this tournament and the “Hook a Kid on Golf” program.
  
  
• On July 11th, the 4th Annual “Big Mac” golf tournament will be conducted by the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club at the Fairways of Halfmoon. For 73 years the LB&GC has provided children with educational, social, and recreational activities to help prevent delinquency in the community. Services and activities offered include peer tutoring, academic support, a technology center equipped with 10 computers, a “Kids Café” open three afternoons a week, and after school snack provided twice a week. Each year operational costs continue to rise and money becomes increasingly tougher to raise. The golf tournament has become one the LB&GC’s top fundraisers and offers all those who attend a very enjoyable time. Call 235-4143 for more information on the 4th Annual “Big Mac” golf tournament.
  
  
• On July 11th, the Netter’s Fund Memorial Golf Outing will be held at Frear Park. The Netter’s Fund is a not-for-profit fund that aids in the education and prevention of drunk driving. Through-out the year the Netter’s Fund and their 23 local sponsors offer the Safe Ride Program. The safe ride program offers free rides to anyone who may have had a very enjoyable evening and has no business getting behind the wheel. As a not-for-profit organization the Netter’s Fund relies on donations from the community in addition to their Safe Ride sponsors to continue offering their programs. Visit www.netters.us for more information on the Memorial Golf Outing.
  
  
• On September 18th, the 14th Annual Veterans of Lansingburgh Golf Tournament will be held at Frear Park. Call 233-8656 for more information.

These are just a few of the hundreds of tournaments available this season. Generally these events are a half-day affair. Registration includes greens fees with a cart, sometimes lunch, a dinner, and an award ceremony to end the day. I find them to be well worth the money and a very enjoyable time. I would encourage you to participate in an event. You’ll have a great time supporting our local youth and community betterment programs. See out on the links!