Inaugural Pine Plains Community Day a success

PINE PLAINS — Starting with a free pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at the firehouse, the inaugural Pine Plains Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 10, provided a celebratory atmosphere, beautiful weather and a multitude of free activities, food, music and history, and great practice for next year’s bicentennial celebration.

The Pine Plains American Legion hosted Bee Bee the Clown; a reading session with Kristen Fischetti, the new principal of Cold Spring Elementary School; and a bounce house. Also available were popcorn, face painting, an activity tree and dance time.

At Seymour Smith Elementary School on Academy Street, recreational games of all types were in play for little ones, including corn hole, spike ball and relay races and many others. The activity station was organized by the Pine Plains Recreation Department and featured prizes from Lia’s Mountain View Restaurant.

Live music filled the air around town throughout the day; it was both delightful and joyous. Musical performers included Lenny and Roger, Jim Petrie, Brandon Stoner, Alec Sisco, The Shop Boys and the Bridgeport Jazz and Strings Attached.

There were history tours for those hoping to learn something about the town’s past, held at The Stissing Center and the Graham Brush House. The history of Pine Plains was shared by Thayer Durell and written by Dyan Wapnick.

With the free food, drinks, balloons and other giveaways, the first-ever Pine Plains Community Day was declared a successful day. Many who attended said it was wonderful to see so many people walking around enjoying themselves and mingling with neighbors.

Bee Bee the clown performed for the children who stopped by the many events, including ones held by the American Legion, the library and others. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Esther Waters, left, and Laura Dennis played several lovely violin tunes at the Graham Brush House. Other members of the group were off having lunch. Photo Submitted

Bee Bee the clown performed for the children who stopped by the many events, including ones held by the American Legion, the library and others. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe