ANDES — There are communities that hold annual festivals, and then there are communities that celebrate themselves. Andes Community Day once again demonstrated why this small Delaware County hamlet has become one of the most welcoming and vibrant places in the Catskills, as residents, visitors, volunteers and local organizations filled Main Street and neighboring businesses for a full day of festivities.
From the morning parade through the evening fireworks, nearly every corner of Andes reflected a shared sense of hometown pride. Families lined Main Street, neighbors greeted one another, and visitors were welcomed into a celebration that continues to grow while never losing its close-knit character.
"The hamlet of Andes is something truly special," said Andes Hotel owner Derek Curl. "Every day there is a sense of community here, but Community Day brings everyone together in an even bigger way. With new locally owned businesses, new families calling Andes home, and longtime residents celebrating together, you can really feel the pride. Everyone showed up, everyone participated, and that is something worth celebrating."
One of the day's highlights was the annual parade, led by the Andes Fire Department's beautifully restored 102-year-old fire truck. The procession included the Andes Fire Department, Andes EMS and neighboring departments from Arena, Arkville, Bovina, Margaretville and other surrounding communities, reflecting the strong tradition of mutual aid that remains essential throughout Delaware County. Parade judges Mary Peterson, Carol Ames, Debbie Marmaro and Lisa Eckley selected Saint James Church as the recipient of Best Overall Float, while the Andes Garden Club earned honors for Best Theme.
Throughout the afternoon, families enjoyed vendors, food, children's activities and community gatherings across the hamlet. The ever popular dunk tank raised funds for Andes Central School, with willing volunteers Derek Curl, Lester Bourke, Jason Mondor of Darling Farm, Laurie McIntosh and Charlie McIntosh taking turns in the water. One of the biggest laughs came when mother and son Laurie and Charlie McIntosh were dunked together, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Just down the street, Wayside Cider hosted an outdoor cabaret curated by Shaye Troha, offering an entertaining mix of music and comedy. Comedians Marisa Caruso and Josh Lay kept audiences laughing, while Janae I R L delivered an unexpected musical performance before guitarist and vocalist Drew Azzinaro rounded out the afternoon with an engaging solo set.
As evening approached, the celebration shifted to the Andes Hotel courtyard, where Chef Lon and his culinary team served a popular community barbecue before hundreds gathered for the night's grand finale. Before the fireworks illuminated the Catskills sky, the Andes Fire Department and Andes EMS were recognized for their decades of dedicated service to the community, a fitting tribute before one of the largest crowds of the day.
Moments later, spectacular bursts of color filled the night sky above the hamlet, drawing smiles from children and adults alike as the celebration concluded with one of the most memorable fireworks displays in recent years.
Andes Community Day once again proved that while the fireworks may mark the end of the celebration, they simply reflect what exists here throughout the year. In a community where neighbors volunteer, businesses support one another, artists contribute their creativity and residents take pride in calling Andes home, Community Day remains a joyful reminder of what can happen when an entire hamlet comes together.
