By Rob Potter
WOODRIDGE — July 24, 2001 – The Village of Woodridge celebrated its 90th anniversary in style over the weekend.
A parade, craft market, chicken barbeque and a host of other activities marked the occasion as thousands of people visited the village to take in the festivities.
Saturday featured a historical discussion and slide show of Woodridge and the surrounding area by Village of Woodridge Historian James Slater and Town of Fallsburg Historian Judy Magee.
Sunday’s entertainment included Side F/X (a classic rock band), Macaroni the Clown, pony rides, games and an antique auto show.
Nearly 50 vendors sold a variety of food and crafts.
“It was the best one we’ve ever had,” Woodridge Mayor Nat Kagan said of the celebration. “All in all, it was a good weekend.”
Kagan noted that the Woodridge Fire Department completely sold out its chicken barbeque. He added that many of the vendors were very happy with their sales as well.
“A lot of the vendors said they will be back next year,” Kagan noted.
The parade Sunday morning featured marching members and trucks from 10 county fire departments, bands and classic cars. Notable participants included Ronald Hicks from Governor Pataki’s office, New York State Senator John Bonacic, Sullivan County Court Judge & Surrogate Burton Ledina, Sullivan County Family Court Judge Mark Meddaugh and Sullivan County Sheriff Daniel Hogue.
Elected officials from the Village of Woodridge and the Town of Fallsburg also made their way along the parade route.
Following the parade, a ceremony was held to recognize those responsible for the annual celebration. Sullivan County Clerk George Cooke, who served as the emcee, noted the work done by the anniversary celebration committee members. Those members included Diane Sennett, Joan Collins, Carl Garrett and Debbie Jacobsen.
In addition, Nelson Durland, who is the Fire Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Resolution Committee Vice-Chairman and a Past President of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, presented a special service plaque to Harold Kronenberg. The plaque honored Kronenberg, who is the Sullivan County Fire Coordinator, for his 50 years of dedicated service to the Woodridge Fire Department.