Busy weekend events draw crowd

MILLERTON — What started as a triple grand opening for three businesses in Millerton ended up growing into what was unofficially dubbed “Millerton Day.”The three original grand openings were for Gilded Moon Framing, Little Gates Wine Merchants and Eckert Fine Art gallery. All three businesses have recently relocated to new premises on Main Street.Those openings happened to coincide with other local events, including the opening of the 14th Colony Artists Spring Art Show, the grand opening of Hair on the Run salon and boutique and the Lions Club Carnival.With so many events happening at the same time, the streets of Millerton were teeming with people out to enjoy the village’s offerings. A small marching band even paraded up and down Main Street, adding to the festivities.“It’s like a street party,” said Rhonda Cook, the gallery manager at Eckert Fine Art. “The public is enjoying getting out and about on a beautiful evening and getting to know the businesses.”Jill Choma, co-owner of Gilded Mood Framing, said the purpose of the triple opening was to introduce the public to the new spaces while giving back to the village.The three businesses donated items to a raffle that benefited the Irondale Schoolhouse and helped raise funds to move the schoolhouse from its location on Route 22 north to its new destination at the Harlem Valley Rail Trail rail head in Millerton.“We think [the Irondale Schoolhouse] is a really nice addition to the town,” said Choma. “Millerton is a great town and the more we do to make it welcoming, the better.”Gilded Moon Framing showcased the work of more than a half-dozen artists in their new location, at the former M & T Bank on John Street, facing Main Street. Outside, they had a large tent where raffle tickets were sold along with wine from Little Gates and hors d’oeuvres were served. A local radio station broadcasted from the tent as well.Across the street, Little Gates held a wine tasting, and Eckert held an open house, where artist Eric Forstmann chatted with guests and signed copies of his book.One of Forstmann’s prints was donated to the raffle that benefited the schoolhouse.Around the corner on South Center Street, Hair on the Run salon and boutique held its own grand opening, which also included a small art show. The featured artist, Chad Dean, displayed his pencil and ink drawings in what was his first art showing.Many of the attendees of the day’s events were pleased to see so many people strolling the streets and enjoying the village.Ken Musselman, a local artist who displayed his work at Gilded Moon Framing, said, “Millerton has become a hip spot. The town has come a long way.”