We are super excited about this new component for this year's 5th Annual Holiday Hoopla community celebration. Thank you, Elting Memorial Library for hosting and being such a fantastic partner! There are many different offerings to enjoy, as well as opportunities to help make a difference and brighten someone's day in the community. This celebration was started as a way to let community members know they were not alone and they have a community that cares about them, as well as share some sweetness.
We remain dedicated to this original vision and purpose. As you navigate further down the page, you will learn more about our "Be the Change New Paltz" projects for this year's Holiday Hoopla. Both the "Spice Up the Pantry" and "Stock the Closet" projects offer community members a chance to donate new, unused items for community members who are experiencing financial challenges and hardship. Please check out the details below!
New Paltz is a community full of individuals, young and older, who are extremely generous. We thank all who have donated their time, talents, exertise, and resources to make this day possible, enjoyable, and memorable!​​
Program & Performance highlights include:
Ellen Kalish
Author, Wildlife Rehabilitator & Educator
Ellen will be reading her book, "The Christmas Owl," based on the true story of Rocky the Owl, discovered in the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in November of 2020.​
3:00 PM in the Children's Library
New Paltz High School Caroling Choir
Performing a selection of seasonal favorites as well as songs celebrating resiliency and making a difference.
3:00 PM Outside Stage
behind the building
Original artwork by Iliana & Dahlia - Student Artists from New Paltz High School
Special Vocal Performance by Christina Kokonis
Performing a selection of Broadway showtunes from Wicked, Sound of Music, La Cage Aux Follies, and Smash in the front of the Elting Memorial Library
Christina Kokonis is a vocalist with charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent! She has been singing since elementary school. Her love of music blossomed in high school as she was part of the drama club. She is defined as a mezzo belter but can do much more. Christina served as the longest-running president of the board of directors for 6 of her 10 years on the board of a local nonprofit theatre organization. Along with that, she has directed several large-scale musicals and original cabarets and performed in them.
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Christina Kokonis is a viral internet sensation.​
7 years ago, she picked up a microphone in the middle of Sam’s Club and sang “Maybe This Time” from the musical Cabaret. Within a month, she had over 8 million views and was featured on TV shows such as “Inside Edition,” “Right This Minute” HLN News, NYC News Broadcasts Eye Witness News, as well as the NY Capital Region News broadcasts. Christina’s biggest achievement of them all, was when she appeared on the Steve Harvey show accompanied by Grammy Nominee Davy Nathan, singing “Don’t Rain on My Parade” originally performed by one of her vocal icons, Barbra Streisand.