Millbrook outsmarts Community Day rain by moving event into town’s Village Hall

MILLBROOK — When word got out that Saturday, Oct. 7, could be a rainy washout for Millbrook Community Day, the event moved into Village Hall, including the Bouncy House.

The Bubble Truck could not operate in the rain, but is scheduled to visit the Millbrook Library later this month. The Hudson Valley Hatchet axe-throwing contest was also canceled. The chili cook-off, scheduled for the library lawn, moved inside Village Hall at 2 p.m., when most of the vendors were set to leave. 

Many began the day at Forza Family Fitness, which held a carnival from 9 to 11 a.m. with fitness demonstrations, children’s games and crafts, popcorn, balloons and selfie spots.

Grace Church provided children with paper crowns; Lyall Church had quilts for sale, and St. Joseph’s was represented as well as having a sale at its store, Uncle Al’s. 

Children had their faces painted, then enjoyed cotton candy and other sweet treats. Innisfree Gardens and Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies had tables explaining what they have to offer. The Town of Washington and Village of Millbrook had a table and handed out information concerning getting both communities certified as Climate Smart Communities, which not only helps with climate change but also opens doors for many grants. 

The Millbrook Inn had drinks and treats and a chance to win a free dinner. There were also many vendors with an array of articles for sale. Many of the little gifts could be carried in fabric bags provided by Mackey, Butts and Whalen LLC.

In another room, the Millbrook Rotary Club, the Millbrook Democrats, the Village Hall, The Millerton News and the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral Community Health all had giveaways and information to hand out, and the Millbrook Farmers and Makers Market had burlap totes and stickers for sale.

Just outside Village Hall, the Millbrook police had a tent and provided information and snacks to all. Millbrook Fire Department was open for tours until 1 p.m. 

Millbrook Library director Courtney Tsahalis said the Friends of the Millbrook Library gave out donuts and cider, there was a free ice cream truck, and she reported that over 100 children had showed up for the pumpkin-painting event. The library also featured a ukulele performance by Millbrook Elementary School students.

The Farmers and Makers Market moved up to Church Street, from 9 a.m. until 1pm. with The Burr Johnson Band performing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Merritt Bookstore had specials for the youngsters, and stores such as Juniper and Velletri’s had sales, as did many of the other stores.

J. McLaughlin hosted the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, which is based in Arlington. Fifteen percent of every purchase made that day went to help abused children.

Alicia Adams Alpaca had a children’s station with coloring activities and a design-your-own-alpaca sticker activity plus raffles for adults and children.  

From 1 to 3 p.m., the Millbrook Antique Center presented live music featuring Paul Pesco.

Central Baptist Church had fried chicken near the  G.T. Whalen Real Estate building and the Millbrook Deli offered bites, as well.

Along with the chili cook-off, tasting and judging by the guests, there was a cake walk contest from 3 to 6 p.m. at Village Hall, a 50/50 raffle, distillery tastings, and music with DJ John McDonald.

Annie Nilson won the cake walk contest. The chili contest winners for home cooks were:  Wayne Lempka, first place; Dennis Lynch, second place; and Ron King, third place. In the professional chef division, first place went to Babette’s Kitchen, second place to Millbrook Diner, and third place to Millbrook Deli. 

Millbrook Mayor Tim Collopy had a wide smile most of the time, knowing what a success the day was. Millbrook Business Association President Buffy Arbogast ran a tight ship, and said she had great help from all involved, so what could have been a rainy day disaster turned into a full fall day of community spirit, food and fun.

From left, Alison Meyers and Elizabeth Bellin discuss future plans for the Town of Washington/Village of Millbrook working toward getting Climate Smart Certification points at Millbrook Community Day on Saturday, Oct. 7. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe