On Friday, February 14th, Big Gay Hudson Valley will host its first-ever Valentine’s Day event for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ community and their friends and allies. Created for everyone – single and the partnered – the “Show Your Love” Ball will take place at the spectacular Locust Grove Estate on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie from 7pm to 11pm.

Tickets are $80 per person. Get yours here.

Upon arrival guests will receive a glass of sparkling wine from Clinton Vineyards, and the night will feature a four course meal and open bar featuring beer and wine catered by Ed Kowalski of Crave Restaurant & Lounge in Poughkeepsie. Hudson’s very own Ophelia Nightly will serenade attendees with her fabulous voice and keep spirits lively with her divine sense of fun and camp. At the end of the meal, guests will enjoy an interactive collection of dessert stations featuring a variety of selections from local artisans like Hudson Chocolates, Adirondack Creamery, Trixie’s Oven, and Sprout Creek Farm. In addition to live entertainment, music and dancing will be served up by Superior Sounds.

Please note that gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available for all courses. Please indicate any special dietary needs when you purchase your tickets online.

A portion of the proceeds from the “Show Your Love” Ball will be donated to local Hudson Valley LGBTQ not-for-profits. Guests will have the opportunity to “show their love” for Hudson Valley LGBTQ organizations that they feel most connected to by sending a valentine to one of the groups listed below:

* Hudson Valley Community Services
* GLSEN Hudson Valley
* Hudson Pride Foundation

At the end of the night, each organization will be given a percentage portion of the evening’s proceeds based on the number of valentines they receive.

Dress for this event is “cocktail fabulous” (ie: look good for a night on the town.) Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, January 15th at 12 noon. Tickets are $80 per person with just 110 seats available. Purchase your tickets now and don’t miss this opportunity to Show Your Love for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ community this Valentine’s Day.

The Menu
~Passed Hors d’oeuvres~
New England clam chowder served in espresso cup with fried clam skewer
Tuna tartar served in mini tuile with wasabi cream and pickled ginger
Spicy Thai beef dumplings with black tahini
Mini duck sliders with pear kimchi
Fig and fontina purse with lavender
Chicken & waffle skewers with maple aioli

~First course~
Roasted red pepper bisque with lump crab salad and fried sunchokes

~Plated Salad~
Local delicata squash and endive salad served with toasted pepita seeds, arugula, farro and crown maple-whole grain mustard vinaigrette

~Entrée choice of one~
Coffee-ancho chili rubbed sirloin served with barbequed potato gnocchi, broccoli rabe, cherry tomatoes and heirloom carrots

Pan seared Scottish Salmon served with coconut cauliflower puree, salted peanut foam and cilantro gel and mango tapioca

Organic Carrot “farrotto” (risotto made with farro) served with coriander carrot puree, lambs lettuce and black garlic.(vegan/gluten free)

~Dessert~
Interactive Stations with offerings from Hudson Chocolates, Adirondack Creamery, Sprout Creek Farm, and Trixie’s Oven