Weekender

By WANDA WAYFARER

Memorial Day is the day to commemorate all of our fallen soldiers in all American wars. To many of us, Memorial Day weekend is also the official kickoff to summer. With barbeques, family gatherings and trips down the Delaware River, we all look forward to the stretch of golden time that Memorial Day weekend allows us.

When you arrive home—or at your second home—on Friday night, you might be ready to start the long weekend a little early. A great option would be the wine tasting, “West Coast Wines,” hosted by The Laurel Villa Country Inn and Restaurant on Friday, May 25.

The Laurel Villa, located on Second and Ann Streets in Milford, PA has been home to many various wine and liquor tastings. This one will include five red and white selections from Washington, California and Oregon. Ivan Mines, a representative of Southern Wines and Spirits, will be there for discussions about each of the selections. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the event to complement each wine. The tasting starts at 6:30 p.m., and the cost is only $30 per person.

Upon arising Saturday morning, you can look forward to tons of wonderful goings-on in the tag, garage or yard-sale department. Get your money ready and explore some of the wonderful local sales. The Dorflinger Glass Factory will hold a tag sale from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The grounds there are beautiful—worth the trip alone. There is a giant flea market in Glen Spey, NY at the Lumberland Town Pavilion from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. And there will be hundreds of tag and yard sales in between. It will be your chance to discover treasures that other people are getting rid of, that you cannot live without.

After yard-sailing to your heart’s content, you can take a trip up to Hancock, NY for its annual Hancock Spring Festival. Starting at 10:00 a.m., dozens of vendors and exhibits will be available on the grounds of Read Memorial Library on Read Street in Hancock. From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. there will be a historical tour of the town. From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hancock will hold its own “Antiques Road Show,” with internationally known appraiser Bob Connelly—your chance to find out what those one-of-a-kind antiques are really worth. The Atkinson Family Blue Grass Band will perform from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.—award-winning bluegrass music performed for the audience free of charge. A silent auction will also be going on throughout the concert with some wonderful local products up for grabs.

The evening will end with a live performance of “The Nerd” from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., performed by the area’s own Little Victory Players. A teen dance party will follow. There promises to be something for everyone this day.

Ah, Sunday. Usually the last day in your weekend—but not this time. This Sunday, take your friends and family to an authentic local pancake breakfast. One where there is no work involved for you!

The St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church will host its annual pancake breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., leaving a time window big enough for early and late risers alike. The pancake breakfast includes egg, sausage, bacon, desserts, coffee, tea and of course pancakes. The cost is only $6.00 for adults, $3 for children four to 12 years old, and free for children under four. The event will take place at the Tusten Town Hall, across from the fire department in Narrowsburg, NY.

After breakfast, you must head to Jeffersonville, NY for WJFF’s 20th annual Auction and Bazaar. WJFF is a public radio station, based in Jeffersonville, that is run on hydropower. The radio station runs through volunteer efforts and donated monies. WJFF’s mission is to “provide the community a broad range of ideas and ideals useful to an enlightened life.”

All proceeds raised from the bazaar will benefit the station. This giant auction will include hundreds of treasures: antiques, collectibles, furniture, books, knick-knacks, objects of art, small appliances and much more. Refreshments of baked goods and beverages will also be available throughout the day. The doors open at 11:30 a.m., and auction calling starts at 12:30 p.m. The auction will take place at The Jeffersonville Firehouse Hall on Main Street. For more information, or to make a donation to the event, you can call the station at 845/482-4141.

Follow the vibe of WJFF to their after-auction party at Hill’s Country Inn Clubhouse, located in Callicoon Center, NY. Admission costs $10 per person at the door, and again, the proceeds raised go to WJFF. The Lost and Wandering Blues & Jazz Band, a critically acclaimed band that includes a diverse musical array of style, technique—and a washtub—will perform. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails before the show.

Monday, Monday. The last day of your weekend. If you’ve followed my trail, you’ve already been up down and around the river corridor.

I suggest a trip down the Delaware River via a canoe, raft, kayak or tube. The forecast calls for a nice day, so take advantage of it. With numerous options as to where to rent these floatable vehicles, your trip times and potential destinations are limitless. Tubes and rafts allow for a slower, more hands-off journey. Advanced boaters can opt for kayaking and canoeing. You can bring lunch or snacks along the river; just make sure everything is packed in airtight containers.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and make sure to make the most of it.