After such a slow-starting spring, trees and shrubs have finally bursting into bloom all over the region: dogwood, magnolia and that stalwart American fruit, the apple! In celebration of warming weather and a long history of apple-growing in the Hudson Valley, the Village of Red Hook will once again fill the streets with Apple Blossom Day merriment.
Make plans to head to the picturesque Dutchess County town on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to stroll amongst more than 70 local crafters and vendors selling handmade items such as jewelry, clothing and crafts for all ages – maybe a last-minute Mothers’ Day gift for anyone who has, ahem, forgotten?
Festivities up and down Broadway (Route 9) in the center of the business district will include all the typical fair-food purveyors – kettle corn, burgers, barbecue from High Country Que, Kayla’s Fried Dough, cotton candy, lemonade, soft drinks and other treats from Nino’s Big Bite, the Green Palate and the Lunch Box – to keep the crowds sated.
Free fun for all ages is always available, including live animals to pet (we’re talking Stephanie’s irresistibly adorable baby goats and rabbits, folks), along with a bounce house, animal and flower balloons by Button Down Balloons and oversized games like giant checkers, Mancala and Kerplunk, hosted by the Red Hook Public Library. Some rides may be ticketed.
Live entertainment on the stage in the Village municipal parking lot begins at 11 a.m. with Solas An Lae; then enjoy an afternoon of Celtic Heels Irish Dance, Dream Studio Dance, the McCann Band and the Stringmasters Country Band.
Sponsored for the past 18 years by the Red Hook Rotary Club, the communitywide event gives everyone a good reason to crawl out of our winter abodes and take in some duly deserved sunshine. But watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately, because Apple Blossom Day is on, come rain or shine.
Apple Blossom Day, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Red Hook; (845) 750-2254.
Join the family! 
