Abbott Brant

Poughkeepsie Journal

Local supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will flock to the Newburgh waterfront April 15 for a rally in support of the Vermont senator's campaign.

The “Hudson Valley Rally for Bernie” event will feature speakers and local leaders from the African American and Latino communities, members of the Newburgh City Council and other regional politicians. The rally will follow a roundtable discussion of Sanders’ platforms orchestrated by local supporters.

The event will be hosted by the group Independence for Newburgh. Though collaborating with the national campaign, the rally is not an official campaign event and Sanders is not expected to be present, according to the event’s Facebook page. Donna Waterman from the national campaign will be there signing people up to go canvassing this weekend before the primary on the April 19, according to the page.

"We are hoping that will just be nice relatively low-key event for families in the Hudson Valley as opposed to the huge arena rallies with giant crowds and long lines in the big cities," said Joshua Brown, one of the lead organizers for the event.

Speakers at the event include Newburgh City Manger Michael G. Ciaravino and Bard College professor Pavlina Tcherneva, who studies income inequality. Local DJ DECORA and food trucks will also be in attendance.

A memorial service will also be held at the event, honoring those affected by gun violence in Newburgh, according to Brown.

The event is set for 5 p.m. at 1 Washington St., Newburgh. Park gates will open at 4 p.m. For more information, visit the event’s page on Facebook at “Hudson Valley Rally for Bernie.”

Abbott Brant: abrant@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4809; Twitter: @AbbottBrantPoJo W