Uncle Jimmy Mack Weekend Honors the Comedian's Life, Work

Uncle Jimmy Mack Weekend, scheduled for June 12-13th in Peekskill, includes both a festival and concert.

The event commemorates the life of James D. McNair, who died last year in a collision on the New Jersey Turnpike that seriously injured several others, including comedian and actor Tracy Morgan. McNair was an active member of the Peekskill community. In his first interview since the crash, Morgan said the pain of losing McNair would always be with him.

Planned and organized by McNair’s family and friends, the weekend will begin with a community festival from noon to 10 p.m. in the parking lot of City Hall on June 12, which is Uncle Jimmy Mack Day.

Senior citizens are particularly invited from 12-3 p.m., and children will have lots to do at around 3 p.m. Everything will be free to the kids including food and giveaways and entertainment, and the event will also include a talent show for kids to showcase any hidden talent.

There will be a variety of vendors on hand, selling art, jewelry, clothes and of course food from diverse cultures.

The second event will be a honoree benefit June 13 at the Paramount Theater, featuring entertainment from comedy to music. The proceeds will benefit the children in the community in forms of scholarships ranging from education to performing arts.

“Jimmy began his career on Saturday Night Live and dedicated his life to the under-served communities of Peekskill, particularly the performing arts, and our youths,” said event organizers on the Paramount Theater Hudson Valley website.

Order tickets to the benefit here.