LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Annual
Riverfest presented by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance on July 26,
2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those cultural organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Riverfest, celebrated on
Sunday, July 26, 2015, on Main Street in Narrowsburg, New York; and
WHEREAS, What started off in 1991 as a modest gathering of artists
displaying their work and celebrating the beauty of the Delaware River,
has flourished over the past 25 years into a flagship event for the
hamlet of Narrowsburg and the Upper Delaware River community; and
WHEREAS, In July 2015, over 50 artisans and craft-makers came from
around the region to join in this unique street fair celebrating the
marriage of art and music with river ecology; vendor tents lined both
sides of Narrowsburg's Main Street from one end to the other, featuring
handmade items including puppets, pottery, soaps and sweaters for dogs;
and
WHEREAS, The River Dogs on Parade kicked off Riverfest 2015 with dogs
dressed up in creative costumes vying for the "best-of" awards; the
poster auction offered over five dozen original works of art created
especially for the event; and lively music at the bandstand filled the
air throughout the day; and
WHEREAS, Children and young-at-heart adults participated in the Dela-
ware Valley Arts Alliance's new carnival game, "BASS-ketball" and young-
sters created original works of art including masks and mini posters;
and
WHEREAS, Environmental and energy efficiency booths were also set up
with information for fairgoers to help wade through the complexities of
clean water, clean air and energy conservation; and
WHEREAS, The arts are an important reason why the Delaware Valley is
increasingly recognized as a great place to live, work and conduct busi-
ness; the arts generate jobs and wages, millions in annual direct spend-
ing, and millions more in terms of indirect spending by people drawn to
attend cultural events in our community; and
WHEREAS, Current Executive Director Elaine Giguere and her staff have
guided the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance to new heights; the Alliance
plays a leading role in sustaining the economic benefits of the arts
through its promotion of activities and events in its community; creat-
ing a vibrant, energized, environmentally aware and culturally rich
society; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Riverfest presented by
the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, celebrated on July 26, 2015; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Elaine Giguere, Executive Director, Delaware Valley Arts
Alliance.