Category Archives: Community Events

Picture This: a Garlic Festival!

Posted on September 9, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Eat, Stink and Be Merry!  Those are words to live by!  My husband Steven and I did that today when we went to the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival in Little Falls, NY.  I brought my Tablet and took a few pictures, which I will now share.

I wanted to get at least one crowd shot.

This is one of the most popular events in the area.  I confess, I was not into a crowd scene today, but one does not like to miss the Garlic Festival (one being me, of course).

One of the more decorative displays of garlic braids.

Full disclosure:  I did not purchase any garlic.  I have a braid of local garlic from T & J’s Fruits and Vegetables in Herkimer, and I have not been cooking that much lately anyways.  That did not stop me from sampling a lot of stuff. Yum!

I took a picture of this booth, because I liked the Halloween table cloth.

I like horseys (isn’t that how you spell horseys? My computer doesn’t seem to think so).

We did not go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, although I went last year with my friend, Kim.

I had some garlic fudge, and Steven enjoyed a piece of chocolate-covered bacon.

Of course we stopped at my friend, Margaret’s booth, the So Sweet Candy Cafe.  My sister, Cheryl, was minding the shop on Varick Street.

I guess I’m heavier on pictures than words today, but at least I gave a brief shout-out to the Festival.

 

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LiFT at Little Falls

Posted on August 14, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Regular readers may remember that I marched with LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company, in the Little Falls Canal Celebration Parade on Friday.  I had a great time, but I did not bring my Tablet to take any pictures.  I thought it would be too awkward while walking.  Lucky for me, other people took pictures which I have conveniently downloaded from Facebook (with permission from the photographer).

A small but fun group!

This was later on in the parade, but I wanted to start with a picture of all of us.  As you can see, we had a variety of costumes.  LiFT is nothing if not eclectic.

This is community theatre: everybody lends a hand.

I don’t know if you could tell in the first shot that Matt had a little help holding up his end of the banner.

This was actually a pre-parade shot.

Batman made it all the way through the parade, but the Crayon fell asleep and was dropped off with his grandmother, who was a spectator.

Another pre-parade shot.

Here is a close up of the best Shakespearean costume of the night (I am the arbiter of the award).

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This was a post-parade pic.

I could not find a good picture of this adorable fairy with her wings on, but when she posed with them in front,  I said it was a definite photo op.

You can see the shadows were getting long.

I close with another group shot.  I had meant to tell more about marching in the parade, but under the hope that a picture is worth a thousand words,  I shall close now.  It is, after all, Monday.  Not a Monstrous Monday, as you can see, but fun and make-believe.

 

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Another Parade! What to Wear?

Posted on August 8, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Regular readers may recall that LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company, is not doing a Shakespeare play this summer.  This has rendered the summer a less busy and a little sad.  This weekend is the Little Falls Canal Celebration,  one of the venues we perform at.  However, LiFT will have a presence at the parade on Friday, Aug. 10.

Last year I did not participate when LiFT marched.  I just felt too tired.  Of course I regretted it, because they had a fun time, and I do love a parade.  So when I received an email saying we were going to participate this year, I jumped at the chance! (Metaphorically speaking, of course.)

But what to wear?  I could NOT wear my wizard costume again!  I wore it for the Doodah Parade in Ilion.  It would be a faux pas to wear it again so soon, even if I switched back to the wizard hat I wore for the March of Dimes in May.

And, yes, I did pretty much have a silly expression on my face most of the time I wore the outfit.

I append a couple of pictures for those of you who missed my wizard-attired exploits (and to pep up the post, like I did yesterday).  The above was a rehearsal of the outfit for March of Dimes March for Babies.  I also made myself a wizard wand with a knitting needle, a few odds and ends, and a hot glue gun.  I can be dangerous with a hot glue gun. I modified the outfit slightly to march in the Ilion Days Doodah Parade.

I was a hit with the crowd, if I do say so.

I wore the witch’s hat, because it has a brim to offer shade from the sun.  I added the sunglasses for the same reason, and the necklace just because I liked it.  My dear friend, Kim, gave me the wooden wand.  I still had my homemade one, so I used both to cast spells on the crowd as I rode in the back of the pick-up truck.

But I need something different for Friday.  Something light, and light colored.  Maybe a set of wings from the dollar store.  Maybe a quick trip to the Thrift Store. What can I come up with? I spent most of the morning at work pondering options and formulating plans, while trying to stay hydrated and not get too far from a fan, because hot and humid seems to be a way of life these days.

Regarding the latter part of that last sentence, let’s just say I was not successful.  I am susceptible (wow! I spelled susceptible right on the first try!) to heat injuries.  I got too light-headed and nauseous (I had to google nauseous) to handle it, despite the perseverance that has seen me through many difficult runs.  I went home, ignobly calling my husband for a ride, because the nurse didn’t want me to drive and neither did I.

So I am really re-thinking this march through the heat in a costume idea.  However, I hate to let my LiFTer friends down, especially my friend Kim.  And I have lost a whole afternoon I could have been working on a costume, because I am still feeling like crap.  In fact, I wasn’t even going to make a blog post today.  I was going to take a blogger’s sick day.  But look at me, I am over 500 words with two pictures.  That’s one thing I did right today.  Let’s see how I do tomorrow, on Wuss-out Wednesday.

 

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Pre-Audition Post After All

Posted on July 26, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I cannot, can not, CAN NOT take another blogger’s sick day.  My readers will think I am a hypochondriacal whiny baby!  I know, I know, we’re not supposed to care what others think about us.  On the other hand, I want readers, and I am sadly addicted to getting Likes.  Let’s just call it a common or garden Wuss-out Wednesday and drive on.

The title of today’s post was supposed to be “Pre-Audition Post,” which I may or may not have used before (I can’t be bothered checking now). I had planned to head to Ilion Little Theatre to watch (but not participate in) auditions for Shattered Angel, the play being presented by Herkimer County Historical Society.  There are only three female roles, and I don’t think any of them are good for me.  Moreover, I have a murder mystery with LiFT on one of the performance nights (more about that on a future post) (preview of coming attractions). However, I thought I could volunteer to do SOMETHING: costumes, props, prompter… AND I can write multiple blog posts to publicize the effort.

Not that I think they will need much help with publicity.  They sold out two weekends of Roxy, the play the historical society presented in 2015 (I was in that one; perhaps you read one or more of my blog posts about it) and turned people away.  Already they have sold tickets to Shattered Angel.  I’d better figure out when I want to go and purchase mine.

My problem is, I don’t feel so good.  I was kind of overcome with the heat and humidity at work this afternoon.  I got quite light-headed and had to sit down.  My nice friend Karen brought me some Gatorade, which helped.  Perhaps I should have some Gatorade now… There, I went and got a glass.  I am still feeling rather light-headed. Sorry to keep complaining.  I guess I am a kind of a hypochondriacal whiny baby.

Be that as it may, auditions for Shattered Angel are tonight (July 25) and Friday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at Ilion Little Theatre, 13 Remington Ave., Ilion, NY.  Well, maybe I will head over after all.

 

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About That Parade…

Posted on July 22, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

As promised, here are a few pictures of the Doodah Parade, part of the Ilion Days festivities in Ilion, NY.  As a matter of fact, they are not of the whole parade but only of the Ilion Little Theatre contingent.  During the parade, I could not take a decent picture, because I was riding in the back of the pick-up truck.  I had enough to do to keep my own balance (with one epic fail).  Oh, I know, I could have sat quietly in the lawn chair, like I did last year.  But I was a wizard (in a witch hat).  It was more fun to wave my arms around casting spells on people.

The witch’s hat, sunglasses, necklace and bracelet were new additions to the costume since I wore it for the March of Dimes March for Babies.

The utterly fabulous red dress you can see in the background is my friend, Kim, who I stupidly did NOT get a picture of.  In my defense, it’s hard to take pictures with a Tablet in the bright sun;  I can barely see the screen.  But I got a few snaps.

Aar, mateys!

Alas, I don’t know how to crop, so the pirate family cannot be centered.  When I used to work for a newspaper, we cropped with an Exacto knife and a ruler.  That’s how old I am, in case you needed a reminder.

Luckily I got the shot before the balloon blew in front of her face.

I don’t know if you can tell how fabulous this costume was from the picture, but I liked it.  The lady wearing it said it was not too warm, despite being dark, because the fabric was lightweight.

Just a couple of candid shots.

Despite appearances, she did not float away.

This was after the parade, when we took all the balloons off the truck.  Last year, the girls got into letting them float away in memory of loved ones who passed.  I did not like to discourage them at the time, because it obviously meant a lot to them to do so. However, this year before anybody got that idea, I pointed out that it is very bad for wildlife and the environment.  So this sweet young lady ended up with all of them.

Of course we were properly identified.

This is last year’s banner, but it worked perfectly well.  It is a little wrinkly, because it was in the backseat of Kim’s vehicle as we drove to the parade grounds, and I could not keep from leaning against it.  Her car was a bit crowded, but I was grateful for the ride.

So one more Doodah Parade is in the books for Ilion Little Theatre.  I hope some of the people who enjoyed our “float” come to see some of our shows.

 

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Getting Ready for Cheese

Posted on July 14, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I just got back from rehearsal for Where’s the Cheesecake?, the play LiFT Theatre Company is presenting tomorrow at Little Falls Cheese Festival. I brought along my Tablet to take some pictures for this post.

We do a lot in a small space!

The set is quite simple, because it is a radio play.  We sit in the chairs, then get up and say our lines into the microphones.  It’s actually a little awkward acting that way, but us actors are always up for a challenge.

There are always a lot of laughs at rehearsal

Here are two of my castmates.  Full Disclosure: I told them to act like they were consulting over something in the script.  Actors are really good at these posed candid shots.

I didn’t tell him to smile.

This is an actual candid shot of a cast member.

Can you tell Matt has a cheese and Angela has a microphone?

I also wanted a shot of our writer and director, so we did another posed candid.  Angela Harris wrote the script, and Matt Powers directed.  They, as well as the cast, are excellent to work with.

Alas, I did not get a shot of Oscar Stivala, The Man with the Horn.  He adds atmosphere and mood with his music.  He is also playing later in the day at the Cheese Festival.  I hope to stick around long enough to hear him.  A number of other musical acts are also featured.  You can check out the line-up on the Cheese Festival’s Facebook page.

The Cheese Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street in Little Falls.  The play will be in The Shop at 11:30 a.m.  Come on out!  But in case you miss it, I’ll try to write a blog post and tell you how it was.

 

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I’m in a Cheesy Play!

Posted on July 4, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday I went to a rehearsal for the play I was unexpectedly asked to take part in:  Where’s the Cheesecake?  by Angela Harris.

Angela Harris, a resident of Little Falls, NY, also wrote Strike Story, the incredibly well-researched reader’s theatre play which gave LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company, its start.  I got to participate in that production when a cast member could not make certain performances.  Perhaps you read a few of my blog posts about it.  Harris has also written several short plays about the ongoing adventures of Mac Blac, “Little Falls’ only professional problem solver.”  I saw one of the plays three years ago, at the Little Falls Cheese Festival.  I probably wrote a blog post about that too.  At least, I hope I did.  When I was asked to take a part in the latest adventure, I jumped at the chance!

This episode is done as a radio play.  We stand up and speak into microphones. Sound effects of doors closing and chairs moving help set the scene.  Oscar Stivala, as The Man with the Horn adds atmosphere. I loves me some Oscar Stivala!

The play takes place right before the Little Falls Cheese Festival and, obviously, involves a cheesecake.  More than that I will not say, because I do not want to give away any salient plot points.  I will say it is very mysterious and a lot of fun.

It’ll be more dramatic when we’re in costume.

Where’s the Cheesecake? will be presented on Saturday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. at The Shop, 590 E. Main St., Little Falls,  as part of the Little Falls Cheese Festival.  The Cheese Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street.  Come buy some cheese and see a play!

 

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A Few More Ball Pics

Posted on June 13, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Tired Tuesday post (in a shining example of Freudian slip and wishful thinking, I almost typed “Wuss-out Wednesday”), I will continue sharing pictures of the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs’ Purple in the Park for March of Dimes last Saturday night.  As I mentioned, it was a great time for a good cause, Mohawk Valley adventuring at its finest.

Note the lights coming on; I was up past my usual bedtime!

They painted the March for Babies logo on the field.  I was a silly wizard at the March for Babies event in May.  Perhaps you read my blog posts about it.

Must learn to focus my Tablet better.

I tried to get a shot of the outfield.  As you can see, I’m nobody’s photographer.  I hope to practice and get better, maybe even learning to use my digital camera.  In the meantime, I crave your indulgence.

No, I did not get their names. My bad.

This was early on, as you can see by how clean their pants are (why DO ball players wear white?).  I don’t know what these fellows were looking at or talking about.

I really could have used a zoom feature!

In the foreground are the Visitor Bleachers.  Behind them, we saw a few people sneaking a long distance view of the game.  I think they must live nearby, because I saw them leaving and returning by a path through the trees.

The tennis courts were recently redone.

This was the view behind us.  I did not mention yesterday that we were on the Sky Box, a really cool place to sit.  It is right over the Dawgs’ dugout.

So these are the rest of the pictures I took.  At least, I took a few more, but these were the best of the bunch.  I still have not said a whole lot about the game or about the March of Dimes, but, you know, it is Tired Tuesday.

 

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Just a Bit about the Ball Game

Posted on June 12, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Play ball!

On Saturday Steven and I went to Veterans Memorial Park in Little Falls to watch the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs.  The occasion was Purple in the Park for March of Dimes Mohawk Valley.  Perhaps some of you read my post about my purple outfit for the occasion.  I realized I neglected to mention two things about my ensemble:  I wore all the purple beads I got at March for Babies a few weeks ago (at the end of the event I snagged a half dozen strings nobody seemed to want) AND I put purple in my hair.  But this post is not about me; it is about the Diamond Dawgs and the March of Dimes!

Full disclosure:  All I’m really doing is sharing the pictures I took on Saturday and typing a few words about them.  I felt I should not do another Monstrous Monday after the string of foolish blogs I have been doing.  Am I not Mohawk Valley Girl?  I must write more often about the Mohawk Valley!

Note the purple beads and bracelet. The beads are like the ones I wore. I did not wear a bracelet. Missed a bet!

Information was available about the March of Dimes and the great work that they do.

We were going for a Rambo-esque pose.

Adding excitement to the event was a homemade t-shirt shooter which shot March of Dimes t-shirts into the crowd.  I particularly liked the miniature baseball bat trigger.

The woman of the hour!

 

And here is the mover and shaker behind the event: the wonderful Laura Powers.  It was her husband, Matt, wielding the t-shirt gun.

I’m going to call this post a Preview of Coming Attractions, because I have not used all my pictures.  Perhaps tomorrow I’ll add the rest and tell a little more about the game.  Go, Dawgs!

 

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Purple Prose about Purple Clothes

Posted on June 10, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

It has been another Saturday where I have not done enough to warrant a Scattered Saturday post, and I have waited too long after my run to make a decent Running Commentary post (my run wasn’t such a much anyways).  Instead I offer another Getting Ready post (which I need to come up with a better name for).  At least I am amused myself by my gyrations in finding something to wear.  Others can point and laugh or roll their eyes in self-satisfied superiority.  Whatever floats your boat. I try not to judge.

Tonight’s Event is Purple in the Park with the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs in Little Falls, NY.   The aim is to all wear purple to raise awareness of the March of Dimes.  Regular readers may remember that I dressed as a wizard to participate in the March for Babies.  I was not a purple wizard, although I guess I could have been. I briefly considered wearing the purple graduation gown that was my back-up wizard costume to tonight’s event.  Then I decided to dress like a normal person, or as much of a normal person as possible.  After all, I can only work with what the Good Lord gave me.

I wanted to wear a large purple t-shirt with some bright-colored shorts I’ve had for years.  Alas, I could not find one.  That’s what I get for falling behind on my laundry. I knew I had a purple patterned button-down shirt that would work.  Could I find that?  Of course not!  I nervously eyed the clock and wondered if I had enough time to do a load of laundry.  I did not.  In searching for some purple, any purple, I found the button-down shirt.  Yes!  I even went so far as to iron it.

What pants to wear?  The shirt looks better untucked, so baggy shorts would not make me happy.  Spandex would be OK, since the shirt covers my fat butt (don’t judge).  I sent Steven out to my car, where my knee-length grey bicycle shorts were.  Full-disclosure:  they have been in a bag with other work-out clothes in my vehicle for about two weeks now, waiting for me to go to the YMCA after work.  In my defense, many of the days I have not gone to the Y, I have gone running.  Anyways, this is not a fitness post, stop judging my work-out habits or lack thereof.

Naturally I was able to find three purple earrings (I have three ear piercings) (cue jokes about holes in my head).  Yes, they all had to do with wine.  As they say, I gotta be me.  I was delighted to also find purple ankle socks.  I hope my blue little canvas sneakers do not clash too wildly, but it seems to warm for black sneaks and my white ones are too ratty.

For more information on tonight’s event, click on the link above.  If anybody local reads this in time, come on out!  Wear purple if you can; if not, at least you can cheer on the Diamond Dawgs!

 

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