Railroad Street Youth Project Plans 10th Anniversary Celebration

Railroad Street Youth Project, an organization serving young people ages 14-25 in South Berkshire County, is getting ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary next month. Several activities, open to the public, are planned.

On Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m., RSYP'S board of directors will host a barbecue to honor former and current staff and youth outside the Schneider Youth Building, at the skate park in Great Barrington. Youth under 25 may attend for free; tickets are $10 for others.

On Saturday, May 15 from 1 to 7 p.m., there will be an afternoon full of free community events outside the Scheider Youth Building, including an art project work day at the skatepark, youth artwork market, planting a home garden with Greenagers, skate competition, basketball tournament, local food vendors, child-friendly activities, and music by young people. From 8 to 11 p.m., there will be a Higher Organix concert with youth performers and a supersonic dance party outside the building. Tickets for the concert and party are $10.

On Sunday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 1  p.m., there will be a brunch at Castle Street Cafe honoring RSYP's founding board chairman, Erik Bruun. Tickets are $100. Afterwards, from 1:30 to 2:30, the celebration moves to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, featuring an interactive presentation of past and present youth projects. Town of Great Barrington Manager Kevin O’Donnell and State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli will speak; the event honors RSYP founder Amanda Root. Tickets are $10.

From 2:45 to 4:30, the Mahaiwe will put on a performance of Eric Bogosian's play "SubUrbia." Tickets are $10, but anyone who attended the 1999 performance (the very first RSYP youth-inspired project) can see the play for free.

For more information, call 413-528-2475 or visit rsyp.org