(Photo by Dion Ogust)
Regardless of garden guru Lee Reich’s oft-repeated warnings that apple trees are persnickety houseguests in this part of the world, the fact remains that historically, the mid-Hudson Valley is orchard country. Many a community hereabouts celebrates the onset of autumn with an Apple Festival. But precious few bother to mark blossoming time in the spring with a seasonal ritual – despite the fact that in Europe of old, folks used to go a-wassailing around their blooming apple trees, singing and pouring libations to the nature spirits to encourage a bountiful harvest.
The Village of Red Hook is a rare exception, conjuring up an Apple Blossom Day on an annual basis. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, May 13, Main Street and Broadway will come alive with fair food and free festivities for all ages, including live animals, arts and crafts and a stage with live music. At the center of the action will be the Red Hook Public Library at 7444 South Broadway, whose front lawn will host a giant bubble station, face-painting and “unconventional electronics” beginning at 11 a.m. The Orchestra Now from the Bard Conservatory will perform modern classical music on the Library’s front porch from noon to 1 p.m.
Elsewhere downtown, check out the fun, discounts and specials offered by the following businesses: Pause Dog Boutique, Equis Art Gallery, Rainbow Body Yoga, Maggie’s Royal Tearoom at the Red Hook Country Inn, With You Lockets, the Welltree, Boulevard Vintage & Antiques, Rhinebeck Dance Centre, Felicity Designs, Clove Kitchen Market, Living Eden and Annex Antiques. For more details, call (845) 758-0824, e-mail info@redhookchamber.org or visit www.facebook.com/events/632277703628938 or www.redhooklibrary.org.