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SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER IN THE TOWN OF WAPPINGER
As we prepare for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a full season of programs and events, our Town departments continue working behind the scenes.
(Parade Details Below)
Dear Neighbors,
As we welcome the month of March, our community looks forward to one of the most anticipated traditions of the season — the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Village of Wappingers Falls on March 7th. This annual celebration brings together residents, local businesses, community organizations, and visitors from across the region for an afternoon of pride, heritage, and community spirit. It is events like these that highlight the strength of our Town and the sense of connection that makes Wappinger such a special place to call home.
Preparations for the parade are well underway. Town staff have been working closely with volunteer parade organizers, public safety partners, and local agencies to assist with coordination, parking logistics, and event planning to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all who attend. We are proud to support traditions that bring neighbors together and showcase the vibrant energy of our community.
Beyond our seasonal events, the Town Board recently authorized the submission of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application in partnership with the Village of Wappingers Falls to enhance pedestrian safety within the Village’s downtown historic district section of the Town. The proposed project includes the installation and retrofit of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at multiple crosswalk locations, the construction of new crosswalks, and the addition of gateway signage, all in accordance with a New York State Department of Transportation traffic study. These improvements are designed to strengthen walkability, improve traffic safety, and support access to local businesses, schools, and community resources. By working collaboratively with the Village, we continue to invest in infrastructure that enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
As we move toward spring, I would also like to recognize the dedicated members of our Highway Department who have worked tirelessly throughout the winter months to keep our roads clear and safe during snow and ice events. Their long hours and commitment do not go unnoticed. I also extend my appreciation to our residents who did their part by keeping snow cleared from roadways and sidewalks and allowing our crews to perform their work safely and efficiently.
With warmer days ahead, we remain focused on thoughtful planning, responsible investment, and continuing to deliver programs, policies, and services that enhance quality of life for our residents. We look forward to a safe, festive, and productive spring throughout the Town of Wappinger.
See you around Town,
Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor
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Dutchess County
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7, 2026
Shamrock Run - 12:30pm | Parade - 1:00pm
Village of Wappingers Falls
The Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to the Village of Wappingers Falls on March 7 at 1:00PM! Kick off the festivities with the Shamrock Run at 12:30PM, then enjoy a full afternoon of community pride, festive floats, and Irish spirit.
Shuttle service will be available from designated parking areas, and the decorating contest invites homes and businesses along the route to join in the fun. Don’t miss the Third Annual Post-Parade Family Party from 3:00–6:00PM with live music, Irish dancers, kids’ crafts, and more.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
* PARKING TIPS FOR MARCHERS/ATTENDEES *
There will be a shuttle bus service that will pick up at the South Hills Mall & Wappinger Junior High. Parking is plentiful at both locations. Shuttles will run from 11:15am to 12:30pm and at the conclusion of the parade approximately 3:15pm to 5:00pm.
Please take advantage of this service, as it will alleviate the congestion in the village. Thank you to everyone for their cooperation in advance!
Town of Wappinger
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
March 17, 2026
Wappinger Town Hall | 11:00am
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our festive Town Hall luncheon, featuring a traditional, slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage feast. Join neighbors and officials for this beloved community gathering on March 17th to enjoy tender brisket, boiled potatoes, carrots, and savory soda bread. It's the perfect way to honor Irish-American heritage and enjoy great company!
Community Craft Night
March 12, 2026
Begins at 6:00pm
Schlathaus Park Community Center
Join us for slime-making! Test your crafting skills and make customizable slime! Do you like cloud, clear, or fluffy slime? Join us at community craft night to find out! We have different materials to create different types of slime!
$10 per person for Wappinger Town Residents
$15 per person for Non-Residents
Open to people of all ages!
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Town of Wappinger Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 2026
1:00pm-3:00pm
Robinson Lane
Join us for a fun Egg Hunt with thousands of eggs to collect, a visit from the Bunny, games, crafts, and some yummy snacks!
Town of Wappinger Hosts Central Hudson Community Assistance Event For Residents
With the increased utility bills coming out of Central Hudson and NYS, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and the Town of Wappinger, in partnership with Central Hudson and local agencies, invite residents to attend this important upcoming energy assistance event.
📅 Wednesday, March 4
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Walk-ins welcome!)
📍 Brexel-Schlathaus Park Community Center
126 All Angels Road, Wappingers Falls
Representatives will be on-site to assist with enrollment in Energy Assistance (EAP), Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP), and other available resources that may help lower monthly utility costs.
If you receive benefits such as HEAP, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or Veterans Pension, please bring documentation dated within the last 12 months.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Joseph Ennesser 5K Run/Walk
April 11, 2026 | 8:00am Start Time
Van Wyck trail parking, next to 3 Van Wyck Ln, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Description
We are inviting you to join us in supporting veteran causes by running or walking in a live, in-person race at 8:00AM.
Benefiting Wappinger Hometown Heroes Projects
$25/Pre-Registration per person required
Registrants will receive a custom t-shirt (t-shirts not guaranteed for registrations after 4/3/2026)!
Packet Pick-Up
Friday, April 4, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wappinger Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Place
Van Wyck Trail Parking
Van Wyck Ln
Wappingers Falls, NY US 12590
Wappingers Crew Club
3-in-1
Brunch, Games, Clothing Drive
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 9:30am - 2:30pm
Roy C Ketcham High School
Cost for Brunch is:
$10 Adults
$8 Seniors
$6 Children ages 10 and under
Please bring extra money for games
Ketcham Racing Presents
Cars Movie Night
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | Doors Open at 4:30pm
Roy C Ketcham High School
$5 entry fee includes your movie ticket, popcorn, and bottle of water!
Give Back with Outback &
the Friends of Grinnell Library
Sunday, March 22, 2026 | 11:30am-1:30pm
Tickets are available at the Grinnell Library circulation desk. Checks mustbe made payable to the Friends of Grinnell Library. You can then enjoy a delicious lunch at Outback with friends and family while helping the Friends of Grinnell Library at the same time. Please share with your friends, neighbors, and relatives!
The $25 per person pricing does not include gratuity and menu options are listen below!
Town of Wappinger Walking Group
March 25, 2026
All Walks Begin at 2PM
Join us once a month for our walking group! Each month we will explore a new park or trail in the Town of Wappinger! This group is for all ages to encourage the community to come together and enjoy the scenic landscapes in Wappinger. Please meet at location for each walking group. This is a guided walking tour of each place.
Registration is required and available below.
Walking Group Dates/Location: All start at 2PM
March - Brexel-Schlathaus Park (Beginner)
April - Spookhill Park (Beginner)
May - Castlepoint Park (Advanced)
June - Robinson Lane Baseball Complex (Beginner)
July - Quiet Acres Park
August - Reese Park (Advanced)
September - Bowdoin Park (Beginner)
October - Carnwath Farms (Advanced)
RADD
Automotive
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Friday, March 27 | 11:30AM
1441 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Light Refreshments will be provided
RADD Automotive is entering a new chapter under new ownership, led by people the community already knows and trusts. Vince, Rich, and Kevin have worked at RADD since they were teenagers, learning the shop from the ground up and helping deliver the level of service Wappingers Falls has come to expect.
Now leading the business, they are committed to preserving that standard while bringing even greater accountability and pride to the work. Backed by engineering backgrounds, military service, and deep technical expertise, RADD is well positioned to take on increasingly complex repairs while maintaining the honest, reliable service that built its reputation
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
EAT LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL.
March 2nd-15th
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week returns March 2–15, inviting residents to explore, taste, and enjoy the incredible culinary talent throughout our region. This is the perfect opportunity to support local restaurants, discover new favorites, and experience special prix-fixe menus at participating locations.
Make your reservations, gather your friends and family, and remember — when you eat local, you support local.
Town of Wappinger Parks & Recreation Gymnastics Clinic
Looking for a fun and active way to start the spring season? The Town of Wappinger Parks & Recreation Gymnastics Clinic runs March 7–May 9, 2026 at Oak Grove Elementary School, Saturdays from 9:00AM–12:00PM (no clinic on 3/28 and 4/4).
This program is a great opportunity for young athletes to build strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment.
Senior Center Bus Trip to
Resorts World Catskills Casino
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Bus departs from Town Hall at 10:00AM
and will leave the casino at 4:00PM.
The Town of Wappinger Senior Center is heading to Resorts World Catskills Casino on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 — and you won’t want to miss it!
This trip is open to residents ages 55+. The cost is $25 for Wappinger residents and $40 for non-residents, and includes a $25 free slot play voucher and a $15 food voucher for each participant.
New Hackensack Fire Station
Friday Fish Fry
FRIDAYS - March 6, 2026 through April 3, 2026
217 Myers Corners Rd., Wappinger Falls
TAKE OUT ONLY - 4:30pm-7:00pm
Enjoy a delicious Fish Fry every Fri! Drive Thru ordering take-out menu includes Fried Fish, Mac&Cheese, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Brownie & a Roll. New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque Available for $5 a cup.
Adult Cost: $15
Seniors (60+): $14
Children (12 & under): $9
Thank you for supporting your local Fire Department!
For more info, please call (845) 297-3897
Carnwath Community Farming
Spring Into Action Event: Calling all Volunteers!
Saturday, May 2nd 1-3pm
Spring is waking up at Carnwath and we're looking for helping hands to join our community volunteers as we clean up, prep garden spaces, and get the park ready for the growing season ahead.
No Experience needed - just a love for fresh air, community, and being part of something meaningful. Come for an hour or stay a while. Every bit helps.
To RSVP please email carnwathcommunityfarming@gmail.com
Local News Around Town
From Bus Trips To Parties, Our March Senior Newsletter Has All Upcoming Events Covered!
Wappinger Town Takes Action as First Municipality in County to Pass Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption
The Town of Wappinger has become the first municipality in Dutchess County to adopt a local law providing a 100% exemption on the Town portion of property taxes for permanently and totally disabled veterans.
Adopted unanimously by the Town Board on February 9, 2026, this measure ensures eligible veterans who meet New York State requirements — including those with a 100% service-connected disability or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) designation — may receive full relief from the Town portion of their property taxes.
Eligible veterans may apply through the Town Assessor’s Office, with the exemption taking effect for the 2027 tax cycle.
Wappinger remains committed to
honoring service with meaningful action!
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What a SWEET day at S’moreFest at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park! 🔥🍫
From specialty s’more packets and cozy fire pits to live music, delicious food, crafts, and plenty of sleigh riding fun; today had it all. Best of all was seeing hundreds of families come together, laugh together, and make memories together in one of our Town’s most beautiful settings.
This is what our community is all about.
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We kicked off another month of celebrations with our February birthdays! 🎂
Our Senior Center members enjoyed an afternoon of pizza, cake, and lively bingo games!
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini, Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella, and our Parks & Recreation team were so happy to join in the fun and help recognize the wonderful residents who make our community so special.
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We’re so grateful to The Pines at Poughkeepsie for continuing to support our monthly birthday celebrations!
If you have a March birthday, get ready… we’ll be celebrating you next! 🎊
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Happy Valentines Day Wappinger! 🌹❤️
This Valentines Day, love was in the air for over a dozen loving couples who came to The Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park to particpate in our second annual Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Ceremony officiated by Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini.
In addition to these couples, one additional couple became newlyweds with an additional wedding ceremony.
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Town staff beautifully decorated the venue with flowers, hearts, and balloons as spouses stood together as Supervisor Cavaccini presided over the vow renewal ceremony. After the stating their renewed love for each other, guests gathered for a reception featuring live music with family and friends while enjoying light snacks and a champagne toast.
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Town of Wappinger Recognizes 100 Years of Black History
As we recognize 100 years of Black History, we also take time to honor and remember Pvt. James J. Cruse, a World War I soldier whose service is part of our community’s history.
On September 1, 1919, the Town of Wappinger gathered at the Mesier Park Homestead for the dedication of a large bronze tablet honoring local men who served during World War I.
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The ceremony, which included a principal address by the Rev. Charles Oakley of the Methodist Church, reflected the Town’s long-standing commitment to remembrance and community reflection.
James Cruse came to Wappingers Falls in the years before World War I because he had heard the Dutchess Bleachery was hiring. When the U.S. intervened in World War I in 1917, James Cruse answered Uncle Sam’s call and enlisted. He went to France as a member of New York volunteers, better known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Pvt. Cruse was involved in fierce fighting on the Western Front, where the Germans had created a major breach in the Allied lines dating back to 1914, known as the St. Mihiel Salient. James died in the fighting to reduce that salient.
Pvt. James Cruse’s ultimate sacrifice as a resident of Wappingers Falls was never recognized… until Veterans Day 2017. The Wappingers Historical Society gathered enough information to determine that Pvt. Cruse was buried at the St. Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiaucourt, France. A total of 4,153 World War I soldiers are buried there, including 380 members of the Harlem Hellfighters.
In 2017, Pvt. Cruse was formally recognized during a ceremony at the Mesier Homestead, supported by the Wappingers Historical Society, Historical Society President Beth Devine, and then Town Historian Joseph D. Cavaccini, ensuring his contribution would be remembered and honored.
As we reflect on both World War I and centuries of Black history, we remember Pvt. Cruse and all those who served, recognizing their sacrifice and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
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Wappinger Heads to the Super Bowl with Unshattered, Headquartered In Town
Big news we are excited to finally share. 🏈✨
Unshattered had the honor of partnering with Stand Together to provide over 100 handcrafted toiletry bags as gifts for the wives and girlfriends of the players competing in the ✨ Super Bowl✨ .
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Each bag was thoughtfully created by women rebuilding their lives on the other side of addiction, turning this opportunity into something far bigger than the game itself!
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