Neither gloomy skies nor thunderstorms could stop thousands of residents and visitors from celebrating General Montgomery Day last Saturday, a local holiday filled with activities, entertainment and excitement all day long.

Around 8 a.m., the area was packed with cars swarming around the village as they eagerly looked for parking spaces, many of them ending up at Chambers Tractors Sales. In the meantime, early bird residents participated in an 8k run and walk starting at Veterans Memorial Park.

During 9 and 10 a.m., attendees filled the streets as they perused the numerous vendors selling food, homemade crafts, artwork, toys and more. Corey’s Pickles, a staple village shop, was one of the food vendors that sold customers jars of pickles and, for those seeking a special snack, pickles on sticks.

“I love coming here, been going since I was a kid,” said Corey Bellarosa, owner of Corey’s Pickles. “It’s great seeing everyone coming together, it’s a blast,” he continued.

Emiliano, a local resident, hosted her own booth where she and her friends sold crochet, with the intent to continue making and selling crochet every year.

“I raise funds to buy more materials to do it again next year,” she said, adding that she also enjoys seeing “the vendors up and down the streets.”

At 11 a.m., crowds of people formed on the sidelines and watched a parade propel through village streets, featuring first responders, government officials, veterans, marching bands and festive floats.

“I like the trucks,” said Colton, 6, a visitor from Calicoon, while sipping his blue slushie. His older brother, Luke, 9, agreed with the sentiment and added “I like it, it’s fun.”

“The parade was fantastic, lots of smiles all around,” said Christina Storaska, faculty member of Berea Elementary School. Storaska, along with other faculty, set up a booth to raise money for a gazebo in honor of the late Barbara Hackett, a teacher who passed away in 2021 from cancer.

The festivities continued into the afternoon and evening with several live performances, from the musical talents of Good Vibes and Mustangs ‘65 to the hijinks of Macaroni the Clown and Robert Roger’s puppets. Add in amusement games, a crapshoot raffle and a fireworks display, and many were thrilled with this year’s General Montgomery Day.

“Atmosphere is amazing, everything here is immaculate,” said Dyland Staler, 13, a member of Boy Scouts Troop 386.

“I love it, been going since I was born. My family gets all together,” said Coras, 26, a Montgomery resident.

“It’s a wonderful event for the community…we enjoy seeing all our friends and family come together, and we love giving towards the church,” said Beth Hoeffner, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, who hosted a bake sale with other church members.