Friends Of The High Line Presents Pigeon Fest

Learn more at TheCityLife.org

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Celebrate National Pigeon Appreciation Day on Saturday,
June 14th with free programming on the Highline focused on urban
ecology and NYCS unofficial mascot.
Friends of the Highline announced Pigeon Fest, a free
all day festival celebrating National Pigeon Appreciation Day
on Saturday, June 14th from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the

(00:23):
Highline along 30th St. and The Spur.
During Pigeon Fest, which was inspired by Yvonne Argo S
dinosaur, the striking 17 foot tall aluminum pigeon sculpture
looming above 10th Ave. in New York City, visitors can enjoy a
full day festival for all ages celebrating pigeons, urban
ecology and public art. Taking place along the half mile

(00:47):
stretch of 30th St. on the Highline, the festival will
feature free public programming including pigeon themed carnival
games, family friendly art workshops, a pigeon
impersonation pageant, a concertpresented in collaboration with
the Birdsong Project and a Discovery Fair.
More than a dozen organizations engaged in work around birds,

(01:10):
urban wildlife, migration and monuments will share information
about their important work, hostdemonstrations, and present
hands on educational activities.Pigeon Fest brings together
artists, musicians, scientists, horticulturalists, activists,
educators and the public to playand learn together while

(01:32):
exploring the intersection of art, nature and city life.
More information about Pigeon Fest can be found at
thehighline.org. Pigeon Fest pigeons first
arrived in the US via Europe, likely in the 1800s.
They were kept as domesticated animals and were once
indispensable as military messengers in both World War One

(01:56):
and World War 2, saving hundredsof soldiers lives.
Many of these pigeons received gallantry awards and were
celebrated as war heroes before technology eventually rendered
them obsolete. Today, pigeons are our largely
derided and despised neighbors. By spotlighting this

(02:16):
misunderstood bird, Yvonne Argote and The Highline seek to
reconsider who deserves to be honored and memorialized while
opening broader conversations around our urban ecosystem and
how we can better share our citywith nature and wildlife.
Join us for a day of learning, connection and rethinking what
it means to live alongside art and nature in the City.

(02:39):
Pigeon Fest Saturday, June 14th from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Highline 30th St. and the Spur Zumba Pigeon Dance Party
12:00 PM Strut your stuff duringa high energy Zumba dance class
next to Dinosaur Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness

(03:00):
class that incorporates Latin and international music and
dance movements such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata and
many more. All levels are welcome.
This event is free and open to the public.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to move around in.
This class is led by Maria Assasilva.

(03:22):
Mother Pigeon S Impeccable Puppet Show 1:00 PM Mother
Pigeon S impeccable puppet show is based on the real life
adventures of Mother Pigeon, famed Union Square artist and
advocate for all city wildlife. This show is great for the whole
family with fun sing alongs fromMother Pigeon, Frankie the
Pigeon and Max the Rat. Pigeon Impersonation Pageant

(03:47):
2:00 PM. Join us for NYCS first ever
Pigeon Impersonation Pageant where contestants will compete
for the title of NYCS Best Pigeon Impersonator.
Hosted by legendary costume designer and New York City icon
Machine Dazzle contestants will be judged on plumage, costume,

(04:07):
strut and sound by a panel of experts.
The competition promises creativity, humor and plenty of
pigeon pride with a special appearance by Yvonne Argode.
Don't miss this playful and unforgettable celebration of
pigeons and their unique charm. Panel Discussion Building Bird

(04:28):
Friendly Cities 3:30 PM. How can we make our cities more
livable for birds and people alike?
Join us for a lively conversation with experts
working at the intersection of policy, ecology, and urban
design. This panel brings together
leading voices in the field. Keanu Mickey, executive director

(04:49):
of the Mayor S Office of Urban Agriculture, science writer and
birding advocate Christian Cooper, horticulture specialist
Ethan Dropkin and moderator Richard Hayden, senior director
of horticulture at the Highline.Together they will explore the
vital role birds play in maintaining healthy urban

(05:09):
ecosystems, controlling pests, pollinating plants and
dispersing seeds, and the growing threats they face from
habitat loss, urban expansion, and climate change.
The discussion will highlight innovative, actionable
strategies such as planting native species, creating green
corridors and advancing conservation policies that make

(05:32):
cities more resilient and welcoming for birds and other
wildlife. Artist talk with Yvonne Argot
and Cecilia Alemani, 4:15 PM. Join artist Yvonne Argot and
Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R Mullen Junior Director and Chief
Curator of Highline Art, for a conversation on the making of

(05:54):
dinosaur and the role public artplays in city life and civic
memory. Reflecting on Argo S practice,
this conversation will also explore how monuments can be
remagen to challenge dominant narratives, honor overlooked
histories, and createspace for collective reflection.
Musical concert curated in collaboration with The Birdsong

(06:17):
Project. 5:30 to 8:00 PM. The day culminates in a vibrant
outdoor concert on the Dinosaur Stage.
Curated in collaboration with the Birdsong Project, this
special musical program celebrates the sounds of nature
and the rhythms of the city through a dynamic lineup.

(06:38):
The full programming lineup for [e-mail].
Pigeon Fest support Lead supportfor Highline Art comes from
Amanda and Don Mullen. Pigeon Fest is made possible in
part with endowment funds from the Diamond Steinspiel Vogel
Foundation. This program is supported in

(07:00):
part by a grant from the New York City Department of Cultural
Affairs in partnership with the City Council under the
leadership of Speaker Adrian Adams.
Additional support provided by Aidan Duns, a program of Villa
Albertine, the New York City Council under the leadership of
Speaker Adrian Adams. About Highline Art Founded in

(07:25):
2009, Highline Art commissions and produces a wide array of
artworks on the Highline, including site specific
commissions, exhibitions, performances, video programs,
and a series of billboard interventions.
Led by Cecilia Alimani, the Donald R Mullen Junior Director

(07:47):
and Chief Curator of Highline Art, and presented by The
Highline, the art program invites artists to think of
creative ways to engage with theunique architecture, history,
and design of the park and to foster a productive dialogue
with the surrounding neighborhood and urban
landscape. For more information on Highline

(08:07):
Art, please visit thehighline.org.
Art About the Highline The Highline is a public park on the
West side of Manhattan, operated, maintained, and funded
by the nonprofit Conservancy Friends of the Highline.
Through our work with communities on and off the
Highline, Friends of the Highline is devoted to

(08:28):
remagening public spaces to create connected, healthy
neighborhoods and cities. Built on a historic elevated
rail line, the Highline was always intended to be more than
a park. You can walk through the
gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or
beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors, all while

(08:51):
enjoying a unique perspective ofNew York City.
Nearly 100% of our annual budgetcomes through donations.
The Highline is owned by the City of New York and we operate
the park under a license agreement with NYC Parks.
For more information, visit thehighline.org and follow us on

(09:12):
Facebook X Instagram and Tiktok at Highline NYC at Highline Art
NYC.