Warwick celebrates Springfest under clear skies

WARWICK-It was a good decision. Several days before the scheduled date, April 30, of the annual celebration of Springfest, weather predictions were not exactly what the planning committee had hoped to see. They correctly, as it turned out, assumed the event might be rained out and decided to reschedule Springfest for the following day, Sunday, May 1. Although the weather that day was a little cool and breezy, the sun shone and anyone who joined the crowds of visitors strolling through the downtown business district in the Village of Warwick would have declared the event a huge success. Street vendors hawking food and merchandise along with a few non-profit organizations lined the streets and added to the festive atmosphere. A carriage drawn by a huge and handsome Clydesdale horse departed on Village tours from Warwick's historic railroad station. It was a pleasant reminder of the way things were. Other events included the popular pet parade and contest, arts and crafts, music, dancing exhibitions and the farmers' market. Both adults and children smiled when they met clowns or characters from the Wizard of Oz. There was also a larger turnout than expected of owners competing in the antique auto show. One of the more spectacular performances was a martial arts demonstration in the Village Green Park by a select team from Warwick's United Martial Arts Center. And the most exciting event was the high flying trampoline show performed by the world famous Skyriders. Warwick resident and world champion trampoline artist Ken Kovach, named in the Guinness Book of World Records, joined up with Canadian champion Sean Butler to thrill the crowd. Warwick Valley Communications sponsored the show. More of the sights and scenes from Springfrest can be found on the next page.