The festivities included arts and crafts under the tent where miniature paper maché hot air balloons created by Kate Bartsch were painted and decorated by children of all ages. Jo Anne Brown brought her spinning wheel and demonstrated how to spin wool. Face painting was available compliments of Hannah Holtzer, and Patty Kravit organized a number of outdoor games and activities that kept the children entertained. Attendees also enjoyed live music provided by Martin Aronchick, Maggie Seligman and Richard Brooker.
Chez Leonard, the popular hot dog vendor from Ridgefield was on hand with his custom hot dogs, but the highlight of the festival was the homemade strawberry short cake topped off with ice cream and whipped cream.
The Croton Falls Fire Department added to the fun with a miniature “houses-on- fire” for children to extinguish. Using a real hose that sprayed water, the children had five mock fires to put out.
A tethered hot air balloon ride was the main attraction, and despite wind conditions making it unsafe to ascend, Michael Blum, the balloon operator, fascinated the onlookers with an impromptu discussion on how the balloon works.
Raffle tickets will be on sale through October for a one-hour balloon ride over North Salem. The winning ticket is for four guests, champagne basket included. Contact the society, any one of its trustees or visit the North Salem Historical Society's website for more info on the raffle and how to buy tickets.
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