Party at the ParkBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Monday, September 26, 2005
 | | Children's Road Race tot division winner Brooklyn Hart, 2. |
By Susan Bush
North Adams – The Western Gateway Heritage State Park courtyard was a mecca for child’s play on Sept. 25, as a Fall Foliage Festival Children’s Fair drew about 700 people to the outdoor venue for an afternoon of festival fun.
Mayor’s Office Of Tourism Director Rod Bunt and state park Director Dale Waterman said that they were very excited to see the number of families gathered at the park.
“This really is a great party,†said Bunt. “I think this is the best turnout we’ve ever had.â€
“It’s fabulous,†said Waterman. “We’ve had a great variety of participants this year. There were a lot of new organizations that came down. We ran out of food several times, and the food vendors had to keep running out and getting more food. The very best part was watching all the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces. This is a great way to kick off the Fall Foliage festival week.â€
10-year-old Olivia Koperek, who captured second place in the road race senior division, appeared to have an admirer. |
During the event, Bunt awarded trophies won by children who participated during a Children’s Road Race. The race stepped off at 12:30 p.m. from the Joe Wolfe Athletic Complex on State Street.
Interestingly, several of the race winners offered the same sentiments about their racing achievements.
“I’m fast,†said Nikolas Todd, 7, who captured second place in the race peewee division.
“I’m fast,†said the pre-K division first-place winner, Angela McDonough, 5.
Brooklyn Hart, 2, who raced her way to tot division victory, smiled into a camera and offered a different comment.
“CHEESE!,†said a very happy Brooklyn.
Games and activities were abundant at the party. Children learned fly fishing casting skills, had their faces painted, tossed bright plastic rings, played in a goopy substance called “ooblek,†ventured into a Kid’s Safety House sponsored by the Berkshire County Fire Chief’s Association, and donned red plastic fireman helmets given out during the afternoon.
Pre-K road race winner Angela McDonough, 5, and 7-year-old peewee division second place winner Nikolas Todd displayed their trophies. |
Music was provided by the Flying Garbanzos, who struck up the band at the party’s mid-point. Eric Buddington, who is among those vying for a city council term, is a member of the band.
City Councilor and Northern Berkshire Community Action office administrator Marie Harpin staffed a ring-toss game booth. Harpin appeared genuinely pleased as she encouraged the young contestants.
“Go ahead, you can do it,†she said, as timid little fingers clutched the plastic rings and youthful eyes tried to gauge the proper aim.
“This is such a good time,†Harpin said. “It’s so good for these families to be out here having fun together.â€
A multi-photograph “Children’s Fair†slideshow will be posted at www.iberkshires.com during the upcoming week.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net or at 802-823-9367.
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