Founded in 2017, Celebrate St. James was born as a non-profit cultural arts organization by Jack Ader, Arline Goldstein and Natalie Weinstein to assist in a revitalization of the Lake Avenue District, which has suffered major deterioration over the past decade.  St. James has an auspicious history, but it has so much more.  It has spirit and pride and a desire to look back while looking forward.  It has young and growing families, valued seniors, those who have been here for generations, and those who have just chosen to live and work in our wonderful hamlet because of who we are and what we stand for.

 We are a living history community and Celebrate St. James is committed to highlighting our past through events and programs that benefit the businesses, residents, and all who come to visit. Buildings still stand and are a reminder today of the blessings of small town life and the importance of preserving its heritage.  We were the "most happening" town in the early 20th century.  Vaudeville lived along-side serious theater and the New York political scene came to St. James, as well. In past years, Celebrate St. James has created an historic calendar, wrote and produced a comedy musical called "99 Minutes from Broadway", held art walks, hosted fundraising galas with sold out attendance, provided children's events, opened an historic movie museum, a living history series, a classic movie series and provided monthly art gallery exhibits among other activities.

    In November 2020, Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and the Town Board joined Celebrate St. James in a groundbreaking ceremony commemorating the construction of Celebrate Park. The money raised by CSJ through engraved brick and the 2021 Keepsake Calendar sales, along with generous donations from the community has built a park which will forever stand as a testament to what local government, community minded organizations and hometown residents can accomplish together. 

Now our focus, with your help is to create a permanent home for the Celebrate St. James organization and Save & Renovate the Iconic Historic St. James Calderone Theatre, while continuing to provide events and activities commensurate with our mission.