‘Dance With Me’ at RiverFest

When Orleans front man John Hall wrote the 1975 pop hit “Dance With Me,” the U.S. had just concluded its tragic involvement in the Vietnam War, the Watergate conspirators had been sentenced to prison and The Weather Underground had bombed the State Department in Washington, D.C. At the same time, the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts were poised for their historic docking mission, the first episode of Saturday Night Live was in production, and Bill Gates employed the name “Micro-soft” for the first time. 

As Orleans prepares to take the stage 41 years later at the 7th Annual Riverdale RiverFest, we face a remarkably similar set of circumstances, which are both inspiring and testing the soul of our nation and community. The specter of terrorism at home and abroad is an ever-present, nagging anxiety. Demagoguery and xenophobia threaten to recast the reputation of our most cherished institutions. And we remain weary from misguided foreign entanglements, a debilitating recession and a frustratingly slow recovery. Yet, the overcast seems to be lifting. We approach summer with an unshakable faith in our creativity, productivity and resiliency. This is the currency with which we will ward off pessimism, reject the siren call of fear mongers, and forge a brighter future for our progeny.  

I propose that it’s time to party! 

The fun starts at sunset on the Great Lawn of the College of Mount Saint Vincent on Saturday evening, June 4 with the family classic “Wall E” preceded by a preview of a forthcoming documentary, “And Then the Climate Changed,” by local activists turned filmmakers Elizabeth Haase and Jessica Haller. This first installment of the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation’s (KRVC) 2016 movie night series will also feature other free, fun activities for kids and adults.  

The main event will be Sunday, June 5. Riverdale RiverFest 2016 (www.riverdaleriverfest.com) promises to be the best ever. This year’s festival will include the following, and much more: sails aboard the tall ship Mystic Whaler and the schooner Pioneer; the Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Olympiad; a free bike helmet giveaway, courtesy of Councilman Andrew Cohen; a free learn to bike ride sponsored by Bike NY; Shoes for the Cause (please bring your shoes, sneakers and boots for recycling. Proceeds will go to the KRVC Greenway Fund); great live theatrical and musical performances by local artists; and, of course, headliner Orleans.

Lest we forget the whole point of this now iconic festival, please attend Community Board 8’s Special Committee on the Hudson River Greenway on Thursday, May 26 at The Riverdale Y at 5:30 p.m.  This will be an opportunity to a) personally thank state Sen. Jeffrey Klein, who is “Still the One” for his unfailing support for RiverFest and securing the funds for a new Greenway feasibility study, and b) let MTA officials know that when it comes to the creation of an all-waterfront, multi-use Greenway along the banks of the Hudson River in the Bronx, the time has come to Build It Now!

Cliff Stanton is the greenway coordinator for the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation.