Vision of Wallkill, a community group dedicated to serving and improving its namesake hamlet, capped off the summer season with its annual Weekend of Wallkill last Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. Originally established by the Wallkill St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 2001, this Shawangunk staple brings residents and visitors together for a weekend of food, vendors, games, competitions, and more.

The festivities began on Friday on the Wallkill Public Library’s front lawn. During the evening, attendees built Lego sculptures, enjoyed storytime with Author Nancy Scofield Stewart, and competed in a fall egg hunt. VOW also opened a photography and art gallery in the Shawangunk town hall, featuring numerous pieces depicting the beauties of the Wallkill area.

Attendees returned the following day. for a jam-packed morning and afternoon. Many local vendors and organizations set up tents throughout the area, selling various goodies and-or raising money for charitable causes. The Wallkill Fire Department served food to hungry passersby and invited them into its smoke house for fire safety demonstrations. The event’s activities were endless; children had a blast jumping in a bouncy castle, driving RC cars, marveling at displays in the science corner, painting rocks for the library, receiving balloon animals and face paintings from the Wallkill Drama Club, and tossing bean bags with the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

“We love the Weekend of Wallkill, we go every year,” said Matthew Dziewiecki, a local resident enjoying the event with friends. “My favorite part is seeing the little events going on and checking out all the different vendors.”

“It’s always a fantastic time,” said Lauren Salerno, one of Dziewiecki’s friends. “We love browsing the vendors and watching events like the dog costume contest.”

VOW held friendly competitions between both days and handed out prizes for guessing jars, Lego sculptures, photo and art pieces, and a scavenger hunt. Saturday’s biggest competition was the dog costume contest, boasting canines dressed in silly outfits.

“I love the event’s set up and vendors, though I wish there were more trash cans,” said Hannah Magnanini, another resident who brought her friends. “I like seeing all my friends here, and there are tons of activities to do.”

“I like the creativity and crafts that people have made, especially the 3D-printed figures,” said Alonna Spadavecchia, one of Magnanini’s friends. “I also like seeing everyone coming together, it’s been great meeting new people here.”

This year’s WOW also featured Captain Me, a puppy show hosted by Occupational Therapist Amy Coopersmith and Up in Arms Puppets. On Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., families gathered in the town’s community room and watched Cappy the puppet learn about self-determination, the ability for an individual to solve problems and make decisions without help from others. Children had a great time during both shows and learned a lot about self-determination from Cappy and friends.

“I’m very pleased with the puppet show, it had a great takeoff. I think the show is very important, as children are trying to have their voices heard. We don’t always know what’s going on with them at home or in their classrooms,” said Adrienne Gelfand-Perine, a VOW trustee. “Puppetry gives children a safe person to talk with, because they believe the puppets are alive. We got a large young crowd, but they were well-behaved and engaging with the show.”

“I’m very passionate about children’s mental health and self-determination. Oftentimes, children are not given the opportunity to solve problems and make their own decisions,” Coopersmith said. “This puppet show is a reminder to both children and their parents that children deserve to have a voice.”

Near the end of Saturday’s event, VOW members surprised Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry with a $1,314 check, which they raised during the Rhythm on the River concert series. VOW concluded Weekend of Wallkill at 5 p.m., treating attendees to a steak dinner under the pavilion at Popp Memorial Park.

“We had great weather and great vibes from both the attendees and vendors,” said Donna Barczak, president of VOW. “I love seeing all the tents on the lawn, the good vibes, and the smiles on people’s faces.”