by Bea Peterson
The fog hadn’t lifted Saturday morning, September 27, when activities were going full swing in Hoosick Falls. Tractors were rumbling into Wood Park, volunteers were signing up folks and getting the roadway ready for the Rolf Max Sternberg 5k Race and Girl Scouts and leaders were busy at the Immaculate Conception Church cooking pancakes for the crowd to come. And that was all before 8 am!
[private]The rest of the day was glorious! The weather was ideal! Locals and visitors spent the day walking or taking a tractor drawn hay ride between the Town Athletic field and Wood Park. Several folks stopped along the route to visit the Louis Miller Museum, which
was open for the day. A beautiful piece of Wood Mowing equipment graced the front yard.
At 9 am more than 100 participants ran or walked in the Sternberg Race. First across the finish line was Tyler Rondeau. First female across the line was Jessica Chapman.
Down at the Athletic Field the Punkin’ Chunkin’ was underway between the HFCS team and the team from St. Mark’s Church in Hoosick. The school took the trophy.
Also at the Athletic Field was the Human Foosball Game. Nine teams of six players each participated throughout the afternoon. The HFCS Girls Varsity Soccer Team won the title.
Delicious smells emanated from inside the skating rink building while the Chowder Cook-off was underway. Winning chef this year was Nathan Knapp with Hoosick Hickory.
Later in the day there was a Medieval Combat Demonstration.
Meanwhile, back at Wood Park the youngsters were having a great time with face painting, temporary tattoos, games and bouncing in the Bouncy House. There was also plenty to eat and plenty of tractors to see. Mickey, the HFPD canine made a few new friends among the younger set and the Twirlettes put on a great performance for the crowd. The HFCS Jazz Band was terrific, as usual.
The Pet Parade meandered from the Athletic Field to Wood Park where Nimrod, the Pygmy goat, brought to the event by Andrew Cowder was determined to be the cutest. Hermit Crabs Bomey, Peace, Patric and Homey, comfy in an umbrella covered terrarium and hauled in a wagon by Karli Granget were deemed the Most Original. The Funniest was Frank, a beautiful mini-dachshund, decked out in prison stripes that stated “Bad to the Bone.” He was behind bars and hauled in a wagon by Jacob Holbrook.
Gnome Hunt winner was Alexis Correau. She found the wily little guy in the HAYC3 Armory and received $100 for her efforts.
After the sun went down a sold out crowd attended the Sixth Annual Harvest Moon Dinner at the HAYC3 Armory. The fall setting was enchanting, and the food was delicious. The 20 baskets, 13 2’x2′ indoor style Barn Quilts and the four 4’x4′ outdoor Barn Quilts created by local folks and auctioned off by Ron Seifert were outstanding, as were the other items created for the event. The evening concluded with great music.
It must be noted that an event of this scale cannot be pulled off without the support of the entire community. It includes the HAYC3 staff, the many contributors, the countless volunteers, the HFPD and Highway Department and many, many more who worked to make Saturday an outstanding day. They are to be commended for making something very special for the entire Village.
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