The story of ‘Rocky in Saugerties’

Rocky, a tiny saw-whet owl found in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020,
has become something of a folk legend in the years after her discovery.

Books have been written about her adventure,
including one by Ellen Kalish, the Executive Director of
Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, where
Rocky recovered from her trip and was then set free.

The owl’s recovery in Saugerties made her special to
the people there, and this year’s miniature owl –
though one observer commented that the model is
much larger that the living owl it is based on — is the
theme for the Chamber’s 2022 street art display.

Thanks to everyone involved in this years street art event for making it a success.

The Saugerties Chamber of Commerce 13th annual street art event- Rocky in Saugerties – was finalized with a live in person auction on Sunday September 18th .The auction brought in almost $34,000. The proceeds go to the 35 participating artists, the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce which uses the funds to support community events and causes, a scholarship to a graduating Saugerties High School student and the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. Ellen Kalish of Ravensbeard, the woman who rehabilitated Rocky when the owl was found in the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

The Chamber  thanks the “owl’’ artists, the “owl” sponsors, Marjorie Block and the Saugerties Historical Society for the use of the Dutch Barn at the Kiersted House where the live auction was held, Vinny McLaughlin for overseeing the barn, Scott Rector for monitoring the house, Salt and Fire Restaurant for the delicious food, Town and Country Liquors for the wine, Bob Siracusano of Sawyer Motors for the beer, water and soda, Sue Sacher & Sauer Farms for the beautiful flowers adorning the tables, Bob Siracusano and Ray Tucker for their great auctioneering skills, John Iannelli of Iannelli Photography for running the online auction, Sawyer Savings for their banking and check- in skills, the employees of Sawyer Motors & Town and Country Liquors for helping out, Town Supervisor Fred Costello and Staff, Village Mayor Bill Murphy and Staff, the Saugerties Department of Public Works and The Saugerties Police Department.