The Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District celebrated the start of spring in a big way by arranging to have the HMS Bounty, the replica of the ship that MGM Studios built in 1960 for the re-make of the classic, “Mutiny on the Bounty” starring Marlon Brando, to sail into and be docked at Yonkers Recreation Pier. Over the course of a long three-day weekend, hundreds of individuals and families came to the pier to see and tour this amazing ship with actors donning pirate outfits and to also enjoy waterfront music. To celebrate the docking of  the HMS Bounty,  the Yonkers BID and the Yonkers Riverfront Library presented a free HMS-inspired double feature “Sponge Bob Square Pants, The Movie”  and “ Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest.”

The summer-like weather was most welcomed following a very long and hard winter. It was also the ideal prelude to another great season of free and exciting outdoor signature events that the BID is planning as part of its mission to  attract shoppers and other visitors.  Please mark your calendars and come and enjoy the following events that will be happening in Yonkers Downtown, one of Westchester’s hottest destinations offering something for everyone.

Evolution Arts, an afternoon of free  exhibits of art by emerging artists from Yonkers and beyond—as well as music entertainment—will return to Ella Park, starting May 16 with live music by Downtown Bruce and continuing on June 20,  July 18, August 15, September 19 and October 17, from 1 to 4 PM.

Jazz and Blues at Dusk Summer Concert Series, will be held for the fourth consecutive year at the Yonkers Waterfront amphitheatre. The concerts—free of charge to the public— provide musical entertainment by some of the New York metropolitan area’s top jazz and blues artists. The weekly performances will be staged Fridays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, July 2 though September 3 for a total of 10 concerts.

Main Street Film Series at Dusk  On every Tuesday evening in August at 8 PM, a free and popular family entertainment motion picture will be projected on a very large outdoor screen. As in prior years, the popcorn will also be free.

18th  Annual Yonkers Riverfest, Saturday, September 11 from noon to 8 PM, an all-day extravaganza of free, fun events for every member of the family offering music, face painting, jugglers, classic cars, great food and more—clearly one of Westchester’s most popular street celebrations that attracts about 25,000 visitors. This year, in observance of the ninth anniversary of 9/11, Riverfest will honor the memories and families of those who were lost on that day, several of whom lived in Yonkers.

Music in the Square will again delight shoppers on the first Friday afternoon of every month starting June 4 with DeForest Raphael and continuing July 2, August 6, September 3 and October 1.  Free concerts by talented musicians will be presented at Getty Square from noon to 1:30, a perfect complement to the many bargains that will be offered by the extensive range of retailers and specialty shops  that can be found right here, block after block. And, as always, the choice of eateries is diverse, delicious and wallet friendly.

Half Moon Festival featuring the replica of the ship that Henry Hudson sailed on the river named after him 401 years ago. The BID will organize a series of events planned for two weekends when the Half Moon is docked at Yonkers Waterfront in late October.

In these tough economic times, thanks to the BID and our sponsors, we are pleased to present the public with events that entertain everyone in a beautiful setting adjacent to the waterfront. For details on this year’s BID signature events  and other happenings, please visit the website, www.yonkersdowntown.com and look for articles in this great community newspaper.