MILLBROOK — Crowds filled the lawn in front of the Thorne Building in Millbrook for the fire department’s carnival starting Wednesday, July 9.
Classic carnival rides and games drew in families and their children for four nights of summer fun.
The brightly-lit rides were twirling and dipping accompanied by shrieks of fun as part of the Thursday, July 10, activities at the popular Millbrook Fire Department Carnival on the grounds of the Thorne Building.
Little Ritchie Pitz, 2, having won a prize of a large orange bat, celebrates the moment with his dad, Brad, at the Millbrook Fire Department Carnival on Thursday, July 10.Leila Hawken
Ring toss, water gun races, balloon sharpshooting and face painting were also popular attractions for visitors of all ages.
On the musical side to keep things hopping, local DJ Johnny Mack played musical selections for every taste. Drawing on his 25 years of experience, Mack had programmed his playlist to start off with easy listening tunes and then build up intensity as the event progressed and he could see toes tapping.
Former Mayor Tim Collopy was happy to attend the carnival on Thursday, July 10, with his grandchildren. He noted that the carnival had not been held for the past five years.
Serving up fried dough at the Millbrook Fire Department Carnival on Thursday, July 10, were members of the Amenia Fire Company, left to right, Chris Klingner, Dawn Marie Klingner and Joe Bartlett.Leila Hawken
“It’s a great community event for kids young and old,” Collopy said, heading off in the direction of the carnival rides.
Friday’s musical performance featured Heavy Gauge, a classic rock band that plays shows across the Hudson Valley.
The carnival wrapped up on Saturday, July 12, starting with the firemen’s parade at 6 p.m. followed by more live music from the aptly named Rhythm & Blues.
Charlie Greenberg and Nathan Miller contributed reporting to this story.
Leila Hawken
AMENIA — Always an annual draw, the Amenia Garden Tour, titled “Real Gardens of Amenia,” drew a steady stream of visitors to admire five local gardens on Saturday, July 12, each one presenting a different gardening vibe, but all specializing in beauty of layout and blooms. A true community feel, the event was an activity planned by the Amenia Garden Club and supported by Paley’s Garden Center in Sharon.
With the exception of the manicured beauty of Wethersfield, one of the five stops on the tour, the remaining four gardens were spectacular showings of gardens in progress, evolving from season to season, under the informed care and dedication of their owners, assisted by their bright green thumbs.
“Anyone can garden,” said Michael Peek as he greeted visitors to Wethersfield, pleased that the grand showcase gardens were part of the tour. He expressed amazement that so many local residents are not familiar with that “most beautiful place.”
