This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, and the area is holding many events to honor this singular occasion. The first of these events, the Woodstock International Walk for World Peace, will be held in the town of Woodstock, NY on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 & 9, 2009. The UN-affiliated World Peace Prayer Society is contributing the flags of all nations for the walk, which culminates in Comeau Field, a 45-acre property with spectacular mountain views that the town has generously provided. The event is free and open to all.

The Town of Woodstock, in concert with the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Arts (and with other organizations) is sponsoring the walk, which will be led by children carrying smaller flags.

Father John Nelson, the founder of Woodstock International Walk for World Peace, has inspired the entire community through his tireless advocacy for a pro-peace movement. Working with fellow idealists Benta Vos, Christine Winus, Michele Elyse Flanders, and Cameron Williams, they have formed a large and growing network of pro-peace activists.

“We are walking for peace, and are not protesting”, said Father Nelson. “We support all efforts to end hunger and disease, provide clean water, further education, health care, and housing; these are the tools for establishing a more peaceful world.”

The walk begins on Saturday, August 8 at 8:00 a.m., with participants gathering at the intersection of Routes 375 and 212. At 9:40 the walk will commence with the spectacular parade of flags through the town, past the village green, and continuing along Route 212 to Comeau Drive, then on to Comeau Field, where the World Peace Prayer Ceremony will be held, followed by guest speakers, special musical guests, including indigenous music from around the world, and other entertainments. Acclaimed local artist Ronnye Jai will be holding a “Paint Out”, with a special 100-foot canvas; participation in the Paint Out is open to all, and brushes and acrylic paints will be provided.. There will also be a Native American blessing ceremony… After the conclusion of events at Comeau Field, the music will continue throughout the weekend on the grounds of the Church of the Holy Transfiguration, adjacent to Magic Meadow; at Alchemy of Woodstock, and at The Colony.

The peace weekend events continue on Sunday, August 9; at 7:00 a.m., a non-denominational Sunrise Peace Vigil is being held at Opus40, a National Historic Site in Saugerties, NY, and people will continue to gather at Father Nelson’s church, The Church of the Holy Transfiguration of Christ on the Mount, also featured in the National Register of Historic Places, for music, prayer and celebration throughout the day.

Other Peace Weekend affiliated events in Woodstock, NY
Saturday, August 8, 2009
* Reggae Festival at the Bearsville Theater, 3 p.m. till 4 a.m., 291 Tinker Street
* Special advance screening of Taking Woodstock, Ang Lee’s new movie, at the Woodstock Film Festival, followed by a reception with the writer (James Schamus) and director, 3:00 p.m., 132 Tinker Street
* Drums for Peace, a drum circle led by Kodi Drummer, and featuring the Olatunji Drummers will be held at the Wok ‘N’ Roll Café, 50 Mill Hill Road