Category: Arts & Entertainment

Hudson, NY: Hudson Hall is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 Winter Walk Window Decorating Contest. Now in its 20^th year, the contest celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of Hudson’s independent retailers, restaurants and galleries on the eve of the city’s largest, liveliest and most colorful event of the year.

The ‘Best Overall’ prize is awarded to FINCH Hudson. Created by luxury fashion leader Andrew Arrick (whose resume boasts work for design houses Yves Saint Laurent, Celine, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang), and husband Michael Hofemann, FINCH Hudson’s window features two festive scenes reflecting heaven and earth with a distinctly upstate style.

The ‘Best Newcomer’ award goes to fashion, accessories, and contemporary art retailer Mikel Hunter, who opened a second location of his Martha’s Vineyard in Hudson last year. Hunter’s window brings rock’n’roll to the holidays with stylishly dressed characters and a festive bow-covered motorcycle.

The judges also gave a ‘Special Appreciation’ award to The City of Hudson in recognition of its long-time support of Winter Walk, and the tireless efforts of City employees who have helped make this beloved winter event a success for 22 years.

2018 Winter Walk Window Decorating Contest Winners List:

Best Overall Window:
FINCH Hudson (555 Warren Street)

In order of geographic location:

Most Enchanting

The Rosery on Warren (238 Warren Street)

Most Elegant
source adage (314 Warren Street)

Most Whimsical 

The Gilded Owl (318 Warren Street)

Most Magical (exterior/interior)

The Artisan Shop at Camphill Hudson (360 Warren Street)

Best Use Of Lights

Vince Mulford Antiques (417-419 Warren Street)

Most Dickensian

La Maison Supreme Ltd. (431 Warren Street)

Most Glamorous

TK Home & Garden (441 Warren Street)

Best Storytelling

Five and Diamond Vintage (502 Columbia Street)

Best Second Story

Emma Sandall’s Dancing Snowflake Projections (521 Warren Street)

Best Newcomer (533 Warren Street)
Mikel Hunter

Best Empty Shop

602 Warren Street

Most Eclectic
Arenskjold Antiques Art (605 Warren Street)

Most Charming 
The Bee’s Knees (725 Warren Street)

Special Mention

Todd Farrell’s Car Care Center

Special Appreciation:

The City of Hudson

ABOUT WINTER WALK
Winter Walk is a free community event that brings upwards of 20,000 to Hudson’s historic downtown the first Saturday in December. Produced by Hudson Hall, Winter Walk is possible thanks to the City of Hudson, and with generous support from Taconic Biosciences, the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, Five Star Urgent Care, Harney & Sons Fine Teas, Columbia Memorial Health, Fingar Insurance, media partner Columbia Greene Media, media sponsors The Berkshire Edge, Rural Intelligence, WGXC and 98.5 The Cat, and other local businesses on Warren Street and vicinity. For more information and full schedule of events, visit hudsonhall.org or phone Hudson Hall at (518) 822-1438.

ABOUT HUDSON HALL
Hudson Hall is a cultural beacon in the Hudson Valley, offering a dynamic year-round schedule of music, theater, dance, literature, workshops for youth and adults, as well as family programs and large-scale community events such as Winter Walk. Located in a historic landmark that houses New York State’s oldest surviving theater, Hudson Hall underwent a full restoration and reopened to the public in April 2017 for the first time in over 55 years. The newly restored Hudson Hall reflects Hudson’s rich history in a modern facility that welcomes residents and visitors from throughout our local community, across the nation, and around the globe.

 

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Winter Walk is an annual Hudson celebration that brings upwards of 20,000 people to town.  Hudson’s unique creative community and independent retailers lining Warren street transform the city into a winter wonderland full of music, performance, food, holiday shopping, and family fun.

Winter Walk begins at 5pm outside Hudson Hall with the arrival of Santa, welcomed by the young Harmony Project Hudson choristers. Once settled inside, Santa’s elves will distribute a free, gift-wrapped book to every child who pays him a visit. Santa’s visit is proudly supported by Hudson’s Five Star Urgent Care.

On stage at Hudson Hall, choreographer Adam H. Weinert presents Rip the Nut, a pantomime-style, Hudson Valley-inspired mash-up of the Rip Van Winkle story and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker suite. Professional dancers Logan Kruger, Brett Perry, Davon Rainey, JM Tate and Emma Sandall join Weinert and a talented young local cast for three enchanting performances filled with music, dance, comedy, slapstick, and that special, only-at-Winter-Walk charm.

Back out on Warren Street, musicians and dancers entertain holiday shoppers with in-store performances, while roving performers delight crowds taking in the decorated storefronts or enjoying locally made food and drinks. Highlights include ice carver extraordinaire Bill Bywater (in front of Finch), guitarist Alex Turnquist (at 2Note Perfumery), vocalist Lady Moon (at Hudson Milliner and Swoon) and young harpist Malachi Cherubini (at Lilli and Loo). Family favorites King Hill Miniature Horses, Christine the Crazy Balloon Lady, Seano the Clown and Sax-o-Claus return this year, along with a host of new performers ready to enthrall Winter Walk crowds. A full list of performers will be updated at hudsonhall.org as they are confirmed.

Returning to the Below 3rd district is the traditional Ukrainian Winter Star sculpture by Ukrainian-born, Hudson-based artist Maryna Bilak. The colorful, brightly lit wooden structure stands eight feet tall with eight rays emanating from the center, an ancient symbol of balance, harmony and equilibrium.

Up at the 7th Street Park, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available, and guests can wander through Santa’s Village of tiny homes featuring fun festive scenes and enchanting characters.

At eight o’clock, fireworks light up the sky from Promenade Hill, marking the official conclusion of Winter Walk and time for Santa to be on his way, but the merriment continues long into the night with many businesses open late for food, drink and entertainment.

DATE/TIME:
Saturday, December 1, 2018: 5 – 8pm (Rain, Snow, or Shine)

LOCATION:
Warren Street, City of Hudson, is the center of the activities but don’t forget to check out side streets and the Hudson Area Library, which are also involved in the celebration.

MORE:
Visit HudsonHall.org

All photos in this post were taken by me during past Winter Walks. Follow me on Instagram to see live updates from this year’s Winter Walk.

 

For more local happenings, news, and events, follow ColumbiaCountyCurrent on Facebook, and twitter @CoCoCurrent.