The Hudson Valley Spring Faire, organized by Mystik Bazaar Events, took place on May 15-16 at Cantine Field in Saugerties. The festival featured food, theater and an original play written by fair organizer Cheryl Olsen, loosely based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The list of vendors included craftspeople, food and an assortment of products.
In addition to the rewritten A Midsummer Night’s Dream, players in period costume circulated throughout the grounds, greeting visitors. Food trucks and stands offered everything from hot dogs to Ecuadorian and Puerto-Rican food. The kitchen in the large pavilion at Cantine Field became a makeshift bar, with plenty of tables for patrons to sit at while enjoying drinks.
Courageous bull riders could try their skill at staying on a mechanical bull that could leap and toss as if trying to throw the riders off. Bridget Igoe of Ma and Pa Mechanical Bull Riding demonstrated its movements.
Dancer and dance teacher Barbara Barushka Strnadova and some of her associates organized a variety show of dance styles, including a segment on fire juggling and sword swallowing.
Strong winds, a light drizzle and the threat of rain cut some of the festivities short, but the event was lively and visitors appeared to be having fun.