First Street will fill with color, music, aromas, and celebration for five days. From August 13 to 17, the Assumption Carnival will take place, a community event featuring activities for the entire family. The event will be held along the section of First Street between Union Avenue and the endpoint near 911 First Street. The fair will combine an entertainment agenda with religious activities of the parish. During the carnival, the street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m., except on Sunday, when the perimeter will be secured starting at 10 a.m.

The agenda marks the start of the carnival on Wednesday the 13th, Thursday the 14th, and Friday the 15th of August, with events beginning at 5 p.m. On Saturday the 16th, activities start at 4 p.m., and on Sunday the 17th, the closing day, from noon. The festival will include games, raffles, food stands, live music, and prizes, in a format open to the participation of neighbors and visitors alike. Food will be one of the main attractions: dishes from Ecuador, India, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Italy will be featured.

Although fun and laughter will fill most of the schedule, there will also be space for solemnity and faith. The first three days will begin with the recitation of the Rosary at 5 a.m., marking the conclusion of the parish’s novena in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption. On Friday, a bilingual Mass will take place at 6 p.m., followed by a procession of the Holy Mother, which will travel along streets such as Union Avenue, Central Avenue, and South Division Street before returning to its starting point.

The City of Peekskill issued a resolution last July authorizing that attractions be located in the church parking lot and food stands occupy part of the sidewalk. The parish will provide a shuttle service on weekdays, in addition to the usual weekend route to downtown Peekskill, to facilitate attendees’ access to the carnival.

The agenda celebrates the 166th anniversary of the founding of the Assumption parish — dating back to 1859 — which has grown significantly since its beginnings. Over time, it expanded its facilities with the Guardian Building, which houses the church, the school, and community spaces. Additionally, demographic changes in the area led the parish community to include Irish, German, Italian, and Latin American immigrants, establishing it as a center of cultural and spiritual diversity in Peekskill.

Father Esteban Sánchez, spiritual leader of the Church of the Assumption since 2017, has previously expressed enthusiasm for the festival, stating that it allows the “strengthening of ties between parishioners and the local community.” Under his leadership, the parish has promoted activities that combine religious tradition with social integration.

For more information about the programming details and street closures, consult the parish bulletins, City of Peekskill records, and the church’s website.