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A celebration of Housatonic at second annual Party in the Park event

”This event is a way to show off what we have to offer here in Housatonic, and it is a kickoff to the summer,” Selectboard member and committee member Eric Gabriel told The Berkshire Edge.

Housatonic — Residents, businesses, and community organizations all came together for the second annual Housatonic Party in the Park on Saturday, June 8 in the Village Common. The event was organized by the members of the Housatonic Improvement Committee.

The event included music, family events, a “touch a truck” activity where children could tour a fire engine from the Great Barrington Fire Department, and other family activities.

”This event is a way to show off what we have to offer here in Housatonic, and it is a kickoff to the summer,” Selectboard member and committee member Eric Gabriel told The Berkshire Edge. “Why is Housatonic so beautiful? There are many reasons that we’re a beautiful mill town. We have a great view of the mountainside, old mills, the water tower, and, above all, the people who live here. We have a great community.”

Members of Friends of the Great Barrington Libraries. From left: Michelle Raszl, Ed Abrahams, and Holly Hammer. The library had a booth at the event giving away free books. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Members of the Great Barrington Police Department at their informational booth at the Housatonic Party at the Park. From left: Officer Mike Kotleski, Officer Caleb Kollmer, and Mia Storti with her father Chief Paul Storti. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.

The Great Barrington Police Department had an informational booth at the event. ”I love Housatonic,” Police Chief Paul Storti said. “I grew up here. It’s the best place to grow up. I tell all of my kids that it is the best place to grow up.”

Members of the Housatonic Improvement Committee. From left: Beverly Nourse, Scott Shortt, Eric Gabriel, Richard Tovell, and Louise Goldsmith. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Extra Special Teas gave out free samples of their teas during the event. Store owner Cherri Sanes, Patrick Sheridan, and Jennifer Abbott. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.

”We really love being part of the community,” said Extra Special Teas owner Cherri Sanes. “An event like this is great because everybody gets out and learns about each other and about the wonderful community we have to offer.”

The Berkshire Food Co-Op offered free samples of their food and and coloring-book activities for children at their booth during the Party at the Park. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Ava Elliott, 3, and her father Selectboard member Ben Elliott. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Residents enjoyed the second annual Party in the Park event in Housatonic. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Children and their families lined up to get balloon animals and face paintings. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
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The Edge Is Free To Read.

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