From CB, Rhinebeck NY

This is very, very tardy of me, but I want you to know how much I, my daughter and her two daughters (aged 6 and 4) enjoyed Sinterklaas. Hell, "enjoyed" doesn't begin to describe it. It was a triumph, a miracle, beautiful beyond words and funny as a grumpus. We had a ball. It's hard to imagine the amount of imagination, organization and work that went into its creation. What an amazing gift to Rhinebeck and to everyone who participated. Kudos and tons of thanks to you.

Our wonderful Sinter-Stars!

My friend from Atlanta bought Sinterklaas stars to take back as holiday presents for some of her friends. Even though these friends never heard of Sinterklaas before or probably even Rhinebeck, here's what one of the recipients said.

"I don’t know if you’ve seen our star, but it’s AWESOME! We’ve hung it on the inside of our front door and with the light on at night, it’s otherworldly. Thank you so much! I hope you bought these for everyone on your Christmas list because you couldn’t possibly find a better gift.

We will enjoy this for many years to come. Thanks again"

SS, Rhinebeck NY

Thank You For Donations to our Shirt Raffle!

Following is a list of the generous merchants who made a donation to our Sinterklaas Shirt Raffle! Winners were drawn after the Parade, and posted at the Beekman Arms. All have been notified! Please show your support for our merchants and SHOP LOCAL!

• The Beekman Arms
• The Rhinecliff Hotel
• Belvedere Mansion
• Monaco's Rhinebeck Bagels
• Rhinebeck Footwear
• Rhinebeck Department Store
• Carreras
• The Pottery Shack
• romp
• Madison’s Avenue
• Winter Sun & Summer Moon
• Gallery Lodoe
• SugarPlum Boutique
• Calico
• Merriweathers
• Bread Alone
• Pete's Famous
• The Tavern at the Beekman Arms
• Terrapin Restaurant
• Le Petit Bistro
• Gigi Trattoria
• Montgomery Row
• Pause Dog Boutique
• Iconic Hair
• The Looking Glass B&B
• Old Mill Wine & Liquors
• Changes
• Blue Cashew
• Upstate Films
• Arielle
• Hummingbird Jewelers
• Rhinebeck Health Foods
• Garden Street Cafe
• Dr. Tom's Tonics
• Allure Aveda & More
• Atelier Renee
• Juliet Harrison Photography
• my SIS designs
• Grace Gunning
• Dan Goldman
• Marist College (already won)
• Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• Migliorellis
• Block Factory Tamales
• Fresh Foods by Meri
• Cascade Mountain Wines
• Danny Shanahan
• Janet Draves ND CDN

Please support our merchants who are helping to support Sinterklaas!

2009 SINTERKLAAS SHIRT RAFFLE WINNERS

Congratulations to our 53 lucky Raffle Winners from our Sinterklaas Raffle Shirt Drawing that was held last night at the Beekman Arms! Thanks again to our community merchants and friends who donated WONDERFUL prizes! Please show them your support and SHOP LOCAL!

• Michelle Wilhelm
• Edie Hayward
• Terry & Lisa Kilmer
• Melissa LeHane
• Patti McNulty
• Jennifer Neufeld
• Alice Ingerson
• Clare Brant
• Kathleen Miles
• Gerri Laybourne
• Ben Krevolin
• Nancy Rifenbergh
• Roz and Roz Austin
• Brydon Fitzgerald
• Gretchen Lytle
• Susan Rowan
• Paulien Nuiver - she's Dutch!
• Evelyn Aveledo
• Linda Woznicki
• Joel Weisbrod
• Paul Nadler
• Anne Marie Howard
• Gentry Rouse
• Jim Fulgione
• Leif Anderson
• Maya Kaiman
• Kathryn Clark
• Anne Ferrara
• C. Worden
• Elizabeth Watt
• Yoram Gelman
• Nadine Robbins
• Fran Daniels
• Gail Lee
• Jeff Kruger
• Caroline Meyer
• Joanne Dadario
• Dick Schreiber
• Barbara Schreiber
• George Weidler
• Nikolas Kerest
• Gail Bennek
• Marie Vilagi
• Michelle Donner
• Tom Traudt

THANK YOU!!

Thanks to everyone who made it out for our day-long Sinterklaas festivities, parade, pageant and party yesterday! Even with some snow, it was a beautiful, exciting, charming, delightful, magical and memorable success! We want to hear from you! What did you love? What surprised you the most? What did you animate in the parade? Send an email to SinterklaasRhinebeck@gmail.com or comment here!!

Sinterklaas Artisan Faire A Great Success!

Our first Artisan Faire was a great success! We'd like to thank all of the participating artists and artisans! Here are their names and how to contact them! Please do!

Grace Gunning - Reliquary Boxes

Kary Broffman - Textiles, Collage, Painted Photography, Cards

Laura Hope Designs - Jewelry

Tom Stoenner - Glass Blower

Dan Goldman - Photography

Jill Draper - Fiber

Joe Gleeson - exhibit ornaments, wood spirits, characters, carvings-in-the-round

Betsy Jacaruso - watercolors

Jacqueline Rusca - mixed media, cloth dolls, glass and metal crowns

Junction Pots - pottery

Ping Ping - hats, scarves, shawls, jewelry (‘heaven’s beads’)

Lara Chkhetiani - jewelry

Tracy Williams - jewelry, fine art, cards

Juliet Harrison - Photography

Cal Patch - Handmade Clothing, Crochet Hats

Cindy Hoose - Clothing, Children’s dolls, accessories and clothing from

repurposed materials

Wiltsie Bridge - Fiber

Margaret De Wys - Black Smoke: A Woman's Journey of Healing.