Stillwater Fall Fest features fun activities for all
BY LAURIE GORDON
STILLWATER — The Stillwater Fall Fest turns 10 this year. And in addition to family favorites like hay rides, pony rides and pumpkin picking, this year will include a parade to start the day off in the proper spirit. Those interested in marching in the parade should show up at the bridge over the Paulinskill River on Main Street in Stillwater at 10:15 a.m. for staging.
“We want to give a huge welcome to fall, so the parade is open to everyone,” said parade coordinator Skip Hemschot. “We’ll have local service organizations, classic cars, kids in costumes, pets and more." Kids are also welcome to march in their Halloween costumes. The festival is free of charge and will be held at The Stillwater Township School from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Staged by the Historical Society of Stillwater Township in partnership with The Green Team, this year's event will also debut an Open Mic starting at 2 p.m. sponsored by Brook Falls Farm and run by musician Mikale D'Andrea. Bring your talent and take to the stage.
“This year, we will be acknowledging Ray Hecht for all his dedication and flare providing carriage rides for all our museum events. He, his wife and his beautiful horses and carriage will be missed," said Deborah Drumm, the event's co-chair. Hecht and his wife are both recently deceased. Drumm has been an integral part of the Historical Society since she and her husband, Paul moved to Stillwater in December 2001. “I remember the museum had a holiday open house and Santa was there and Mr. Hecht was providing horse and carriage rides up and down Main Street,” she recalls.
The Fall Festival also features an Apple Anything baking contest, a 5K Run/Walk, music and refreshments. The 5K Run/Walk is hosted by the Joint Christian Community Outreach and will begin at 11 am at the school. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and costs $15 per person. All proceeds go to serve those in need within the local community. For more information on the 5K Run/Walk, call 973-383-4868.
The Historical Society of Stillwater Township is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to foster and promote an interest in Stillwater area history through the education and preservation of family information, local cemetery records, artifacts, sites and structures and to maintain a historical and genealogical library and museum.
“We started the current festival 10 years ago, but there is evidence in the museum that these fall festivals were going on quite frequently over the past few hundred years,” Drumm said. "The festival focuses on good old fashioned fun and celebrates the town's history."