By DIANE VALDEN
COPAKE—Hundreds of new, old and never been residents flocked to Copake Memorial Park, 305 Mountain View Road, July 13 for the town’s bicentennial “Come Home to Copake Picnic in the Park.”
The sun was blazing early that afternoon while kids romped in a bounce house, ran under sprinklers, competed in a three-legged race and had their faces painted. Picnickers stayed high and dry while witnessing a late day downpour from under the tent.
The food concession, staffed by members of local churches commanded long lines of visitors seeking anything from ceviche to buttered sweet corn on a stick to hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and baked goods. The Copake Fire Company served up a chicken barbecue around suppertime.
A Columbia Cruisers Car and Motorcycle Show drew dozens of eye-popping entries. The Best of Show Car was a 1931 Ford owned by Art Coleman and the first place award went to Paul Menin.
The much anticipated baking contest judged by “Farm House Rules” star Nancy Fuller, a Copake native, was won by Susan Moore with her Suzie’s Somewhat Boozy Carrot Cake with Bourbon Cherry Jam ($500). Second place ($250) went to Joan Hall with her Cocoa Mousse with an Orange Twist. Third place ($100) was awarded to Roma Mazzariello for her Spiced Carrot Cake and fourth place went to 8-year-old Natalia Coleman for her s’mores cupcakes.
Artisans demonstrated their talents for onlookers in the park pavilion.
Musicians: Dick Staber and Judith Chasnoff, The Ghent Band and Night Train kept the beat going all day into the evening.
