Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk to Appear at Both

May 24, 2023 -- Arkville, NY:  The Catskill Center is hosting two of its summer marquee events at the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, NY. The Summer Gathering is June 9 and the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo is June 10. 

The Summer Gathering provides an opportunity to mingle with Catskills visitors, residents, and others for an evening of camaraderie, food provided by Dixon Roadside, and lawn games. Join together to listen to two engaging storytellers. Dr. Cesi Davidson will discuss her research in collaboration with the Shandaken Historical Museum on the Underground Railroad presence in the Catskills. She will also talk about contributions to the region from enslaved Africans and their descendants.

Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk, who appears throughout the Hudson Valley and Catskill region regaling many with his tales, will tell the story of Rip Van Winkle and Legend of Sleepy Hollow, for which he is well known. He's been featured on the Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, and the Travel Channel.

The following day, the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo features the best the Catskills have to offer in hiking, paddling, bicycling, and all outdoor recreation activities, and will surpass last year in the number of exhibitors from the region’s outdoor tourism industry, local businesses, and nonprofits. There will be activities for all ages, food, presentations, raffle prizes, and the Catskills Great Outdoor Gear Sale, the proceeds from which benefit the Catskill Center’s work. We’re welcoming Ravensbeard Wildlife Center for a birds-of-prey demonstration. Arm-of-the-Sea Theater, Story Laurie, and others will be on hand, as will Jonathan Kruk for back-to-back tellings of the story of Rip Van Winkle.

“We’re excited to invite the public to the Catskills Visitor Center for two important events for our region,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “The annual Summer Gathering is a celebration of the Catskills and our efforts to protect them, while the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Catskills outdoors information and opportunities.”

The Catskills Great Outdoor Expo is the same day as New York's Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, for which NYS Department of Environmental Conservation staff will be on hand offering events and activities.  

The Expo, which runs from 10am-3pm, June 10, is free. There are suggested donations. The Summer Gathering, also free, is from 5pm-8pm, June 9, with a light, complimentary dinner at 7.