Even gray skies and nearly an hour of rain did not dampen the spirits of the participants in Ulster Heights Day last Saturday, July 15. A rough estimate would put at least 400 people on Geiger Road to share in the old-time country gathering celebrating the history of Ulster Heights as part of the Town of Wawarsing Bicentennial.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Ulster Heights Bicentennial Chairman Alvin Carlson welcomed the "early birds" to the festival and opened the event. Town Supervisor James Dolaway added his brief comments, followed by Marion Dumond, Secretary of the Town of Wawarsing Bicentennial Committee. Rev. Eileen Daunt, Pastor of the Ulster Heights United Methodist Church, offered a short interdenominational prayer and Leah Exner sang the National Anthem.

The fair was held at the Methodist Church parking lot and the adjoining field owned by Bill and Barbara Wells. Off-road parking was available further down Geiger Road and transportation from the parking lot to the fair site was provided by two hay wagons, loaned by Phil Coombe and pulled by Bill Wells and Ed Moshier with their tractors, constantly circling the distance. Traffic control was provided by committee member and summer resident Lew Lachman and the Ulster County Sheriff's Department, which had a deputy and car present throughout the day.

John Blauvelt and his cadets provided on-site security and a small group of Ulster Heights residents manned the parking lot, assisting visitors with safely parking their cars.

Angee Opdyke (left) and Dagmar Mielisch Yaddow (right) show off their quilting at Ulster Heights Day.

Arriving at the celebration, visitors had the opportunity to visit a variety of booths, educational exhibits and vendors. Face painting and children's games were available for the younger visitors; a stage was the venue for speakers and musicians all day, ranging from Leah Exner, vocalist, to Laura Kortright and her fiddlers; the Ulster Heights Methodist Church Choir sang and Theron Cole provided bluegrass music. In the afternoon, Ukrainian dancers from Kerhonkson performed under the direction of Elaine, Andrew and Maria Opryski.

The food concession was operated by members of the Ulster Heights Methodist Church, and included hamburgers and hotdogs with homemade macaroni salad, potato salad and baked beans. Sausage and peppers were sold out by mid-afternoon. Breakfast sandwiches were prepared all morning for those who could break away from either their responsibilities or the interesting exhibits. No one left hungry.

Exhibits included antique cars, the Neversink-Rondout Antique Machinery display, Roger LeBarron and his collection of reptiles, and the Accord Quilters, who demonstrated some quilting techniques. Bob Terwilliger worked his portable sawmill and George VanSickle talked about his collection of American Indian artifacts. The Ulster Heights Rod and Gun Club booth was a popular attraction, as was vendor North Country Collectibles. Cathy Bishuk demonstrated the art of Ukrainian Easter egg decoration, at which she is so proficient. Debbie Schoonmaker had a small pen of farm animals next to her stand of fresh produce.

The history booth, at which Al Carlson's three books were available, was staffed by Marion Dumond and Louise Neal. A map of hotels, boarding houses, and bungalows of the past was an extremely popular item, as were note cards featuring historic Ulster Heights scenes.

Comments during the day included: "A great community day," "It was wonderful to see so many 'old timers' and to have places to sit and visit," "I hope this happens again next year," and "What wonderful food!" Organizers of Ulster Heights Day were impressed by the warmth and friendliness of everyone, and the litter-free fields at the end of the day. They extolled the commitment and sharing of the Wells family, the cooperation of the Methodist Church group, and the 200% support from the Town of Wawarsing. Some exhibitors left early because of the rain; others arrived late, but there was always plenty to see. Ulster Heights Day exemplified the best of a community gathering in a rural area, reminding visitors of the importance of farm life in the Town of Wawarsing's history.

Ulster Heights Day concluded with square dancing at the Ulster Heights Rod and Gun Club building, with music and calling by George and Pat Legg and associates, affectionately hailed as the "Old Oak Ridge Ramblers Reborn." The evening (6 - 9 p.m.) dance continued the family oriented feeling of the day, with mothers and sons, fathers and daughters dancing together to the sound of country music liberally mixed with laughter.

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