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Music, history and acorn hunting on Cornwall Day

CORNWALL — Twenty-six stores across Cornwall Village, West Cornwall, and Cornwall Bridge participated in Cornwall Day on Saturday, July 29.

In Cornwall Village, parents and children lined up outside Town Hall for a performance by the Grumbling Gryphons, a traveling performance troop. The village was packed despite the high humidity and overcast skies.

National Iron Bank, set up outside Cornwall Village, sponsored a scavenger hunt around the town. Branch Manager Ron Goldstein, stationed himself among the various tents at the local farmers market, showcasing the prizes for participants in the scavenger hunt.

With the activity, Goldstein hopes “people will be their own brand ambassadors,” and “let people know they don’t have to go to Torrington for their shopping. We have it all right here.”

Participants in the scavenger hunt had to go to twelve participating businesses and find hidden acorns, check it off on their “Cornwall Acorn Hunt” sheet, and return it to National Iron Bank for eligibility.

At Cornwall Historical Society, artist Richard Klein led a lecture, and somewhat muddy walk, for those interested in the historic ironworks.

He also talked about his art project, “The Understory, which is “a contemporary response” to the history of American ironworks in the Northeast. His discussion emphasized the heritage of Cornwall and its influence on the economy, history, and artists like himself.

The West Cornwall Farm Market was full and the town was lively with music performed by Béla Selendy. His wife, and local massage therapist, Helen Selendy, was stationed nearby and offered free massages in town during the afternoon as a part of the festivities.

The downcast weather did not disrupt spirits, and Helen Selendy was “delighted” to be in town for the afternoon.

Also in West Cornwall was Deidre Fischer, who was showcasing “mind maps” as a part of her life coaching organization Branch Out. Her art, and the art of others, encourages people to “unstick” themselves by drawing a map of where their mind leads. As a part of Cornwall Day, she allowed people to draw maps of their own, offering some color to the gray day.

Additional events, like discounts at Three Guys Ski and Ride and wine tastings at the Cornwall Package Store, encouraged residents and visitors alike to explore the area and the shops it offers.

The West Cornwall Farm Market featured local produce, knife sharpening, massages and live music on July 29. Photo by Emma Spindler

The West Cornwall Farm Market featured local produce, knife sharpening, massages and live music on July 29. Photo by Emma Spindler

The West Cornwall Farm Market featured local produce, knife sharpening, massages and live music on July 29. Photo by Emma Spindler

The West Cornwall Farm Market featured local produce, knife sharpening, massages and live music on July 29. Photo by Emma Spindler
Emma Spindler

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