By Rob Potter
CALLICOON — July 31, 2001 – Main Street in the Delaware River hamlet of Callicoon was filled with people rather than cars and trucks this past Saturday.
Men, women and children of all ages strolled along the street as vendors offered all sorts of food and goods at the Callicoon Street Fair.
Jewelry, sunglasses, flowers, leather belts, tie-dye t-shirts and toys were some of the items offered for sale at the fair, which is sponsored by the Callicoon Business Association. Other vendors tantalized the tastebuds of attendees with foods like sausage and peppers, hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn.
Music throughout the day was provided by DJ Ruthless. In addition, several groups performed for the crowd.
A group of youngsters from the Hrynko family’s Sullivan West Martial Arts program put on an educational display, demonstrating several stretches and kicks for the scores in attendance.
The East Ridge School Cadet Drill team twice performed a precise march and drill routine.
Students from the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center helped block off the street and reroute traffic throughout the day.
Hundreds of people attended the fair under a sky that was filled with sunshine. Unlike past years that featured hot, humid weather and/or rain, the 2001 edition of the street fair was held in warm weather with an occasional cool breeze.
“We have perfect weather,” Callicoon Business Association President Bob Hoffer said. “We have close to 50 vendors here, and a lot of them are new vendors.”
Those vendors included business owners selling their wares as well as civic and religious groups raising needed money by selling baked goods or raffling off prizes.
The increased crowd at the street fair seems to be part of a positive trend.
“The tractor parade and Fourth of July parade were both bigger than before,” said Hoffer, refering to two celebrations held earlier this summer in Callicoon. “And every year, the street fair gets bigger and better.”