A roadblock was set up early this morning on Central Street in the Village — orange barriers, police cars with flashing lights and Chief Byron Kelly, Jr. directing traffic to a detour via Elm Street. The reason? A Chippers crew stringing up a banner to announce that we are now celebrating 250 years. Yes, that’s right folks. I got out the ‘ole calculator and looked it up: 1761. The year a New Hampshire land grant was given to David Page and 61 others although the town was really developed later with the construction of a grist mill and sawmill by one Mr. Hoisington. In any case. We’re kinda’ old. 250 years.
Back to the present: I appreciate the Woodstock Early Bird tipster who called me to say she was worried about a possible crime scene downtown as she saw the police activity on her way to work. Alas, nothing so newsy or concerning as that.
But here’s the fun part, beyond having a banner hanging over Central Street: Community Picnic coming up at the Billings Farm on Sunday July 10th from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Live entertainment by The Old Sam Peabody Band. The usual hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken BBQ for very little cash (brings lots of $1 bills). FREE Ice Cream! Yay! Wagon Rides. Be there. Group photo at 6pm. For the historical record.
Flier says “Fun for the Entire Family” Unfortunately that does NOT mean dogs. This has been a fun event in the past. It waned — no, that’s not a typo for “it rained”. Now, “Community Picnic” is back. Bring your own picnic or, we are asked to bring our own plates and utensils (thanks Sustainable Woodstock) and enjoy food prepared by your local first responders, Woodstock Inn and Woodstock Recreation Department. P.S. See if you can get a picture of outgoing Chief Kelly. He is rather elusive. Best photo gets an Early Bird of the Day award!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 