MILLBROOK — With red, gold and orange leaves on the trees and bushes as a backdrop, plus store windows decorated with pumpkins, hay and scarecrows, Friday evening, Oct. 11, was a wonderful time to roam Franklin Avenue. From 4 to 6 p.m. there were music groups, dancers and artists, and many stores had small samples of food and drink. The camaraderie was warm despite a slight chill in the air.
Dutchess County Legislator Deirdre Houston (R-25) had samples of the oils she will be stocking in her new venture located next to Millbrook Flower Design, on Franklin Avenue.
Most of the strollers were listening to the music groups, as there was something for any musical taste. On the porch at the former Aurelia’s, there were two groups, including a trio of high school students who call themselves the Last Minute. They were followed by local entertainer Eric Marshall and his group, The Long Steel Rail.
In front of Canoe Hill, one could enjoy the tunes of Soul Purpose. In front of Juniper and the antique store were Paul Pescoe and Bob Button, while the Poughkeepsie New Yorkers, a barbershop quartet, serenaded those passing by Barbosa’s.
Isabelle and Arizona, from Grace Church, called The Church Ladies, also sang, while high school student Ed Cerrone played the sax and Heather Houlihan provided a lively group of tap/step dancers in front of the Millbrook Library.
Transitioning from afternoon to evening from 6 to 8 p.m., the library featured art works that had been painted by local plein air artists who had set up easels in Millbrook capturing many familiar landmarks. Paintings of the library, the Millbrook Diner and Franklin Avenue were on display and most of them were sold by the end of the evening. Many of the artists were there, enjoying the wine bar with spirits provided by Millbrook Wine and Spirits, and the many foods prepared by local restaurants including Canoe Hill, Julien’s, Millbrook Café and La Puerta Azul.
This fall festival was sponsored by the Millbrook Arts Group (MAG), which throughout the year delights residents and visitors alike with sponsored concerts.
Storytelling by Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi, a local award-winning storyteller, was also held at the library.
Franklin Avenue had a steady stream of locals and visitors perusing bargains, meandering up and down the avenue, a prelude to the holidays coming and a nod to the beauty of autumn in Millbrook.
