POP-UP BEACH AND FIREWORKS ADVANCE

MOUNT VERNON’S ECONOMIC RISE

Sandz Concert and Fireworks Implement Mount Vernon’s Arts & Culture Plans

Two large events this month are designed to enhance Mount Vernon as a destination for arts and entertainment. One includes a pop-up beach and the other fireworks.

These events are part of a sequence of plans to drive $1 billion in new economic activity along the Hutchinson River.

The Sandz Caribbean Music Festival on Sunday, June 16, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. is expected to attract up to 5,000 partiers. Expected artists include DJ Calli B.

In preparation for the Sandz event, the promoters have spread up to 500 tons of clean, safe, premium sand on the field to create a beach environment. After the event the sand will be donated to the City to be used for public works and to level Hutchinson Field.

“The economic vision is real,” said Mayor Richard Thomas. “Mount Vernon is a destination for economic development and the proof is in the growth of our entertainment industry.”

Special considerations for the Sandz event include extra security and requiring the promoter to turn the speakers towards Mount Vernon’s industrial corridor and away from residential neighborhoods and adjacent municipalities.

The Sandz transformation of Hutchinson Field will give the public a glimpse of Mayor Thomas’ vision for Mount Vernon Shores, an artificial beach he has proposed next to the Hutchinson River after the City relocates a public works yard that has polluted the river.

The Sandz event is the latest effort to raise the profile of Hutchinson Field, which already hosts a dome for summer and winter sports. For the past three years the UniverSoul Circus had a residency at Hutchinson Field, and after the Sandz event the field will resume youth sports events and other entertainment events.

Mount Vernon’s annual fireworks show is scheduled for June 22 at Memorial Field and the show will honor Tommy Deagan, owner of Lou’s Hot Dogs truck. Construction at Mount Vernon High School has forced the move to Memorial Field and the public will be invited to watch the show from a safe distance at the Best Buy parking deck. Garden Avenue will be reserved for food trucks and pedestrians

The June 22 date for fireworks is intended to make Mount Vernon the first City in the region to hold an Independence Day-related event.

Mount Vernon’s police and fire officials have determined that a fireworks show at Memorial Field is safe and poses no threat to the public. Spectators will not be allowed on to Memorial Field; they will be relegated to the Best Buy parking lot.

Both the Sandz event and the fireworks advance the Canal Village Revitalization Plan, the Mayor’s Arts & Culture Plan and the NYU Tourism Plan for Mount Vernon, all of which are intended to drive $1 billion in new economy activity. By hosting events like Sandz and UniverSoul Circus, visitors from throughout the metropolitan area are exposed to dining, shopping and entertainment options in Mount Vernon.

“It’s all about fun and funds,” said Mayor Thomas. “For visitors a good time and for residents, funds to drive down property taxes. The more responsible, safe fun-the more responsible and reliable tax dollars for jobs and growth.”