Andes Thanks Community for Successful Celebration

ANDES —This year's Andes Community Day was the most successful yet, thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers.

Organizer Cindy Taylor said she had received  a lot of feedback that it was the “best community day they could remember.” There were more floats, including a special focus for local farms. The farms took time out of their busy season, which “says  a lot about the spirit of Andes.”

Taylor said that the process was both easier and more difficult than previous years. The existing structure of the event was already in place, yet no one was interested in helping with some of the more mundane or less glamorous tasks…. she said. For the previous 24 hours, cones, caution tape and blocking off areas were the priority…. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning the co-organizers could be found, doing the dirty work with the help of friend Lisa Eckley.

While it’s not the most glamorous work, it is part of the essential tasks that make such an important day a success.

Taylor said that there were several key highlights of the day, including the parade and dunking Andes Hotel owner and fellow co-organizer Derek Curl. She added that the Andes Library’s theme of “Flamingle with Us” was “creative, welcoming, and fun.”

“You couldn’t look at it without smiling,” she said. The wordplay was “fabulous,” she added.

She said that the event was organized under the umbrella of  the Andes Historical Society with full support and backing of  the Andes Hotel. Curl has stepped up for years, including crucial assistance for the fire works.

There was a successful silent auction fundraiser that raised more than $5,000 with particular assistance from the businesses in Andes. The “biggest hit” was to have a baby goat for the weekend. She is following up to other bidders for extra goat visits which would raise additional funds.  Special thanks to Dirty Girl Farm for not only thinking outside the box but willing to make it happen!  This funding will allow us to have the financial matching funds to apply for a variety of grants going forward.

Taylor thanked Peter Ames for his help with designing the website, banner, and poster. Jayne Parker from Hawk + Hike and her  social media prowess. Andrew Heannings with building, lifting, and placing signs across Delaware County during his busy season.

“It’s a good thing he’s very strong,” she said.

For the parade, Taylor thanked Cathy Santoiemma, Carol Tiltti, Mark Pasquale, John Bouton, and Jenn Staib.

She also thanked the Andes Fire Department for traffic control. The Andes General Store for  graciously accepted vendors into their area. This help was essential and the store was “helpful” and “welcoming.”

“They are very  community-minded and we are so grateful for that and to have the general store back open as an anchor for the hamlet.

She added appreciation for Helen Wolger for all of her work at the dog show.

Taylor thanked those willing to be dunked and also the hosts. “It was like a comedy hour every hour all afternoon” she said. The whole process was “warm,  funny” and brought “entertainment and wholesome fun, all wrapped up in one.”  Lester Bourke has already signed up for next year!!

The group hopes for more floats for next year’s parade as well as more community members to be  dunked in the dunk tank.

We hope to see everyone next year and bring a friend!