STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AND FIREMAN RECOGNITION DAY AT LAGONERS
June 21, 2008. Lagoner’s Farm Market held its first annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, and the community’s response was fantastic. Held in conjunction with a fundraising event organized by the Williamson, East Williamson and Pultneyville Fire Companies, the entire grounds were turned into a scene reminiscent of a county fair.
The aroma of barbequed chicken dinner complete with salt potatoes, beans and apple sauce wafted through the area, sold under the giant tent erected by the fire companies. By the end of the afternoon, they were sold out. It was also a time for education. “This is a great opportunity to teach people about fire safety, especially our children,” said Nancy Gowan, a member of the Pultneyville Company. Sparky the Fire Dog roamed throughout the grounds shaking hands, and fire trucks were open for inspection.
It wasn’t all work, however, as the fire companies took the opportunity to play some competitive games, such as tug-of-war and water ball. Water ball is a skill in itself. A small leather ball is tethered to the wire which has been strung between two posts on either side of the field.
Usually having four or five people on a team, the main objective of the game is to aim the spray from a fire hose so that it pushes the ball to the side of the opposite team. Since the first person holding the nozzle of the hose can’t see anything, it is up to the team member behind him to yell directions to guide the hose and the water shooting from it. They yell “Up! Down! Right! Left” and the leader blindly does what he is told, trusting the instruction while the rest of the team holds the hose up behind him. Every one gets soaked but no one seems to mind. Team Lagoner gave a valiant effort but were defeated by East Williamson.
They also were close to beating the Pultneyville team during a spirited tug-of-war. “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” said Diana Lagoner, one of the organizers.
“We have wanted to pay tribute to our dedicated firefighters, and to thank them for all they do. When ever we need them, they are there.” A recent barn fire on the property close by brought the idea to the forefront.
“Even though we are always busy, we thought this would be the best time to do it, tie it in with the first crop of the summer season” added Jeremy, another member of the family.
Of course, there was the usual seasonal produce from their farm inside the market, as well as home made ice cream, pies and fudge. At one point Mark Lagoner interrupted the festivities to introduce Williamson Supervisor Jim Hoffman, and to thank the community for attending this first festival. Hoffmann reiterated his appreciation of those who perform public service and was looking forward to a productive year.
The entire farm was bursting with activities which accommodated everyone. From sack racing, whole-in-one golf, wagon rides, pie eating contests (won by a petite but hungry Autumn Bowman) and romps through an inflatable fire truck, the Lagoner Family thought of everything.
For those who wanted to sit and take in the beauty of the surroundings, the easy listening music of Mark & Lee filled the background. Herm and Wilma Young of Young Sommer Winery were also on hand for a wine tasting of their newest creations, Strawberry wine.
The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display by Young Explosives. Many local businesses were responsible for sponsoring the fireworks as well and the Lagoner family wanted to make sure they were acknowledged. They wished to thank Ashley Insurance, Breen’s IGA, Cavallaro Neubauer, Cole Income Tax, Dr. Fred Kaempffe, Fox Farms, King’s Auto, Carol Verbridge of Nothnagle Realty, KM Davies, Michael Herbert, DDS, Paige Equipment, R. Brooks, Williamson Medical Supply, Williamson Medical Center, Williamson Storage, Young Funeral Home, Jim & Laurie Peters, Williamson Hardware and the Young Sommer Winery.
As I stood at the top of the hill and watched all the kids playing in the sandboxes, being pulled in the train to go through the corn maize, and all the other activities of the day, I was joined by Laurie Niles, wife of one of the firefighters and whose children had enjoyed the day.
“This is just good old fashioned clean fun. I’m a country girl and this reminds me of when I was a kid down in the Southern tier. I am so grateful my children are able to experience what I used to do, and I know everyone thanks the Lagoner Family for this wonderful time today.”
The Lagoner Family intends to make this an annual event, although I can’t imagine it being any better than it was today.
