Fall Festival blessed with large crowds

SALISBURY — The wet weather held off until late Saturday afternoon. Bookworms added to their collections. Young personable women dressed as hot dogs enjoined passersby to try a frank. “Bullet” Sherwood directed traffic not far from a scarecrow in his likeness. And the Salisbury Band Senior Quickstep Hotshots entertained the crowds during the Fall Festival in Salisbury and Lakeville, Oct. 5-7.Diane Monti-Catania, pastor of the Congregational Church, said the collective memory at the church has the festival going back at least 30 years, in some form or another.She said early festivals were centered around activities at the town’s churches, but gradually the business community got involved and the festival grew to the current size.Lee Collins chaired the committee that facilitated the festival this year.Resident State Trooper Chris Sorrell made his first appearance as a bicycle trooper on Friday, to great acclaim from workers at Town Hall.His rig includes a flashing light and even a siren, which he didn’t anticipate needing. “Just a presence, that’s all,” he said.Bob Riva had his granddaughter Jillian, age two and a half, in tow. Slightly older children whooped nearby, engaged in the scientific throwing of water balloons.Periodically Ward Belcher, atop a Ford tractor, brought the hayride around, dropped off a group and took on new passengers, who were assisted on board by Mike Fitting.Inside the Congregational Church were 42 quilts — some hung but most arranged over the pews. The quilts were made by members of the congregation, except for two coming from friends.On Saturday there was a good crowd of adventurous eaters sampling the Latino fare at St, John’s Episcopal Church, and the eighth grade from Salisbury Central School sold wreaths to help finance their class trip.As always there were books, vintage and used treasures, handmade crafts from around the world and pastries, baked goods and other scrumptious edibles, including pies, cupcakes and more sold by the Housatonic Valley Regional High School Robotics Team.Two competitions were held, one involving scarecrows and the other involving chili. The Salisbury Winter Sports Association hosted its third annual Brew Ski Beer Fest.