NECC hosts Halloween event at farmers market

MILLERTON — On Saturday, Oct. 28, with bright skies and warm temperatures, the North East Community Center (NECC) held a “Halloween Kids’ Market” event at the Millerton Farmers Market.

Children painted pumpkins outside at a table under an awning. Will and Arlo Tieger, who were there with their mother, Emily, were enjoying painting. “It’s a great day,” said their mother. “A fun, unexpected morning.”

Catty-corner from the pumpkin painting was the farmstand of Jon Willmott of 6 Acre Farm in Millerton. Willmott grows Cinnamon Girl, Racer, Gumdrop, and Giant pumpkins. On display with his pumpkins were jars of pickled hot cherry peppers and dried cherry tomatoes. He plants flowers to attract pollinators that help his crops along. Around the cosmos, “It looks like a busy airport,” he said.

Inside the Millerton Methodist Church, musician Tom Hanford played Halloween-inspired music on his guitar, harmonica and mouth harp. He wore a jacket decorated with skeletons. The audience played along with shakers and scarves and made witch, werewolf, ghost, vampire and zombie noises as needed.

“It’s always good to play at the Millerton Farmer’s Market Halloween Event,” said Hanford. “I think this is the fourth time I’ve performed for the kids and their grown-ups at Halloween time and they are always enthusiastic and willing to have fun.”