Canaan, NY 250th Anniversary Community Day

Sat. Aug 1, 2009 at 12:00pm

On Saturday, August 1st a Community Day with a multitude of activities has been planned at the Town Hall and Stoddard Park from 12 noon to 6 pm. Funded by a grant from the Town and through generous donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals, all events are free. Ample parking is available on Gifford Road, drop-offs and handicapped parking permitted on County Route 5. 

In the Town Hall visitors will find an exhibit that reflects Canaan’s rich history. Independent curator, Sharon Duane Koomler, will assemble the display of objects lent for the day by local residents and organizations including maps, church and business records, textiles, china, historic photographs and postcards, guest registers, and paintings. Copies of a new booklet by Dan Rapoport, updating earlier town histories, will be for sale. In addition an oral history from long-time Canaan residents will be played and attendees with have an opportunity to record their own Canaan stories and impressions.

Across the street at Stoddard Park there will be an Art Exhibit featuring works by over 30 local artists and artisans. The scenic landscapes of the Canaan area are home to many artists from the skilled hobbyist to the nationally known. There will be a wide spectrum of mediums on display, including photography, glass, quilts, woodcarvings, ceramics, watercolors, pottery, and paintings. Joyce Goldstein, a Canaan resident and owner of the Joyce Goldstein Gallery in Chatham, is coordinating the exhibit.

Demonstrations of traditional crafts will be shown. Stephen Nightingale will demonstrate fly tying, Jack Steffak, woodworking, and Jeanie O’Brien, quilting/embroidery, amongst others.

To honor the Native American history of this area, an authentic 1750 era eastern conical wigwam, equipped with accoutrements of daily life, will be present. An Algonquin descendent and re-enactor will tell traditional stories and answer questions. 

We can’t forget the children! The park will be ablaze with activities for children of all ages. A rock climbing wall, balloons, face painting, crafts, a greased pole to climb, jousting, water polo, a bouncy house, a dunking booth, kayaking, games and races will all be offered throughout the afternoon.

Simple old-fashioned fair food (hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream etc.) will be available for a nominal charge from 12-5.  Advance food tickets will be available for purchase in July. 

A raffle drawing for a quilt made by local women will be held at 5pm.

And then there’s music: Francine and David Wheeler will kick off the day. They are actors and musicians who will sing and perform interactive songs, primarily for children.  Following will be Dock Oscar & The Ambassadors of Love, a “down-home string band” playing old-time fiddle tunes, bluegrass, and old-school country music. Finally, keeping it close to home are The Gentlemen of the Night, a group of talented local musicians (some of whom you’ll recognize from their day jobs in our area) who love to sing the Folk/Rock/Blues.

If you are interested in helping with set-up, clean-up, pick-up/returns or chaperoning activities please contact or call 781-3585.

events are free/ nominal charge for food

filed under: art, community, craft, family, food, kids, music, outdoors.