To the Editor:

Historic Altamont is delighted to invite the community to a Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration marking the completion of the new Altamont Community Kiosk.

This exciting event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 3 p.m. in Altamont’s Orsini Park and at the new kiosk site on Park Street, with the north end closed to traffic for the celebration.

Join us as we unveil this new neighborhood landmark! Festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting at noon, followed by food, music, and activities across the street in the park.

Made possible through grant funds from Albany County’s American Rescue Plan Act, the kiosk will serve as both a welcoming hub for visitors and the new northern end-to-end point of the Long Path, an over 360-mile hiking trail stretching from Manhattan to Altamont and onward to the Adirondacks.

Designed to highlight outdoor recreation, local businesses, and nearby attractions, the kiosk will be a lasting resource for both residents and visitors.

The afternoon offers fun for all ages, with live music by singer-songwriter Jeff Grippen and a performance by the Victory Twirlers, a local baton troupe. Kids can look forward to face-painting, balloon art, fire truck tours, and a raptor presentation by Kelly Martin, a New York state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator.

Guests can also enjoy Stewart’s ice cream and bites from the Chuck Wagon food truck, connect with community partners at tables throughout the park, and stop by the Altamont Free Library for informational talks about the Long Path. Featured presentations include “Hiking the Schoharie Long Path” by Steve Babbitt and “Thru Hiking the Long Path” by Tom Walsh, the only registered end-to-end hiker to have completed the trail in both directions.

We warmly invite all residents, families, and friends to celebrate this exciting milestone with us.

We look forward to sharing this special day!

For more information about Historic Altamont and our projects, please visit historicaltamont.org.

Dave Bourque

Debra Barnes Breitenbach

Bob Casey

Jodi Novak Wey

Officers

Historic Altamont Inc.