Now consider a library of e-books…and forget any images of Starbucks and other coffee shops and return to the Library Fair where, given the weekend’s predicted fine weather, we can expect a community of book lovers mingling with musicians, kids, and just plain folks taking advantage of not only the historic treasure trove of libraries, but their future, too.
Not to forget this entire town and its residents, which (and who) always seem to be at their best for this event, regularly touted as “Woodstock’s oldest and largest celebration for the entire family” in recent years.
Hey, just as many will be rifling through the piles of books for sale in the barn all day, or picking up other arts and crafts items for sale, as well as assorted treasures available in the event’s traditional White Elephant tent, many will be catching up on their e-mails on laptops, I-Phones and Blackberries…and possibly even reading the latest bestsellers on their Kindles.
Or listening to authors who wished their books were available by such means read from their works…
For kids not yet allowed near such delicate instruments of knowledge, there’ll be tents-full of activities, including games and water and entertainment.
Barry Miller, who puts together the music for the day, has a monster line-up starting at 10 a.m. with Rod Owens performing original songs for children and their parents. From 11 a.m. to noon, Kidz Town Rock will get those same kids up and dancing, while at noon, Northern Country Music in the Round will set Peggy Atwood, Dave Kearney and Don Sparks loose on a host of traditional country tunes, with plenty of new material thrown in, Woodstock-style.
Things proceed, music-wise, throughout the afternoon with Denise Jordan-Finley and
Dan Pagdon playing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., after which there’ll be jazz, at 2 p.m., with Vinny Martucci on keyboards, Steve Rust on bass and Harvey Sorgen on drums. From
3 p.m.-4 p.m., gypsy jazz will be the thing, followed, finally, with The Beezers closing out the day performing folk/rock and country pop covers and originals.
Library Fair chairperson Freya DeNitto, who’s been attending the annual events for 40 years now, has added that the event’s food will be “better than ever” with a Food Fare featuring the best from area restaurants, as well as summer fare from the grill and plenty of vegetarian options.
“The main reason I think people come is to take part in a grand tradition, to see their friends and neighbors in a really convivial atmosphere,” DeNitto said in her inimitably joyous manner. “Volunteers work for months to ensure that the big day comes off without a hitch…There’s always the threat of rain to contend with, but the fun goes on, rain or shine.”
Hopefully without rain, this year.
The Fair begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Admission is by $2 donation and the Library itself is closed throughout the day.++
Post a Comment