Nanuet Festival Draws A Crowd

Nanuet’s sixth annual Family Festival took advantage of the sprawling open areas at the Outdoor Education Center on Saturday.  Pony rides were off to one side of the section lined with community vendor, nonprofit and health fair booths. Two kids fun runs for second graders and younger and one for third and fourth graders circled around the pond and several sports clinics were held on lower fields.  

Second grader Carly said she did “good” in the race and proudly showed off her ribbon.  

Groups of adults and children strolled through the festival greeting friends and neighbors and stopping at the Jo Jo Dunk Tank.  

Nanuet Art Teacher Kelly Quartironi volunteered for the first shift. She said despite the blazing sun hitting the water was a shock.  

“It’s like 20 degrees,” she said. “I’ve been dunked about six times by the same child oddly a former student of mine.”  

Clarkstown Police Officers Matthew Bender and Gordon Miller brought the department’s armored vehicle and Critical Incident Response Team equipment for kids to check out. The children climbed in and out of the solid black vehicle and stared at the sniper rifle, body armor and camouflage gear on display.  

The Nanuet Fire Department and Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps brought emergency vehicles. The fire department also provided a fire department themed bouncy slide. Children took to the stage for hip-hop performances and students from a karate program demonstrated their skills.   

Visitors tried their luck at tossing balls into fishbowls as a fundraiser for an Eagle Scout project, decorated paper crowns with stickers and created bead necklaces. At the health fair booths, people learned about different health insurance programs, eating tips, exercise and sports activities.  

Politicians took advantage of the day to speak to constituents. Clarkstown Town Clerk Town Justin Sweet set up a table to provide information to residents about dog licenses and hunting license programs. Councilwoman Stephanie Hausner and County Legislators Aney Paul and Ed Day walked around.  

“I love coming here every year,” said Day. “It’s a wonderful community event. It gets better every year.”