Saturday, October 1
Noon to 4:00 pm
Roeliff Jansen Park
Everyone is invited to the Roeliff Jansen Park on Saturday October 1 for the annual Harvest Family Festival, a “party in the park for the whole family” put on by the park steering committee. This free event will run from noon to 4 pm.
Again this year, a Chili Contest will be one of the highlights of the Festival . Area residents who believe they make the tastiest chili are invited to bring two quarts of their homemade chili to the festival for tasting by festival attendees who will vote for their favorite. The chili cook receiving the most votes will win $100 and bragging rights. The competition was tough last year so be sure to bring your best. Entry forms for the chili contest are available here or can be completed at the park the day of the event. Entrants should bring their chili to the park by 12:30 in a crockpot or other container in which the chili can be kept warm.
The festival will also feature lawn games for kids, the ever popular hay rides through the park, face painting, a Nature Fun program with outdoor educator Fran Martino, bluegrass music by the Marty Jimmons Trio and other live entertainment, a Meadow Muffin event and more.
What’s a Meadow Muffin event? Well, it requires a fenced field marked in a grid of numbered squares and a cow. Buy a numbered ticket and cheer for the cow to drop its first “meadow muffin” on your square. The winner will split the proceeds 50/50 with the park.
The annual Roe Jan Library BBQ, which was postponed because of Hurricane Irene, will be part of the festival, with pulled pork, barbecued chicken and sides served from noon to 3 pm. Tickets, $20 each, $10 for kids, under 6 free, are available at the library, B&G Wine, Copake Pharmacy and Firehouse Deli. They will also be available at the Festival.
In addition, local organizations will be selling other food and drink to raise money for their projects.
Elinor’s Walk to Support the Library, also postponed due to Hurricane Irene, will also take place on the first, with most of its 5K distance and the finish line in the park. Walkers can start any time between 10 am and noon so they can finish the walk and then enjoy the festival activities and BBQ. Information on the Walkathon is available at www.roejanlibrary.org