Warwick celebrates Springfest this Saturday, April 28 New this year: The ‘Warwick Valley Slider Challenge’

WARWICK — Warwick’s annual celebration of Springfest is this Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In case of heavy rain the event will be held the next day, Sunday, April 29.

Springfest 2012 is again described as a “Home and Garden Expo,” and co-chairs Mary Beth Schlichting, past president of the Merchant Guild, and Treasurer Debbie Iurato are promising an even bigger and better event this year.

Main Street and Railroad Avenue will come alive with a variety of vendors including masons, lawn care services, mulch, rock wall/gardens, honey, handmade garden items and indoor house services among others. And there will be live music and dancing,

Slider challenge from noon to 3 p.m.

In view of the huge success of the chili “Cook Off for Charity” at last month’s Winter Blues Weekend, the Springfest planners have decided to sponsor a similar event, a “Warwick Valley Slider Challenge.” The proceeds will also go directly to the Warwick Ecumenical Council Food Pantry.

Nearby restaurants that are members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce have been invited to create unique sliders, defined as anything between two slices of bread, representing foods of the Warwick Valley.

Visitors, who donate a modest $5 at the entrance to the chef stations on Railroad Avenue, will be entitled to sample all of the sliders and vote for the restaurant with the best creation. The challenge begins at noon and continues until 3 p.m.

During Winter Blues Weekend more than 200 people participated as restaurants competed to see who made the best chili. That event raised $1,135 for the food pantry.

A day and weekend of activities

During Springfest, many local eateries will be serving special tastings outside their establishments. And the Farmers Market, this year, will be on Railroad Avenue. The adjacent Village Green will also be the site of live acoustic guitar music throughout the day as well as a rock band and a martial arts demonstration.

This year’s Springfest also coincides with the chamber’s green initiatives including Operation Clean Sweep and volunteers for that event will be stationed outside the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce “Caboose” office on South Street.

The Little League parade is also scheduled that day and following the ceremonies, everyone who attended that event is invited to stop by and enjoy Springfest.

“We’re very happy with our schedule of events,” said Iurato. “Celebrate Spring with our local vendors. This is sure to be a great event, and we look forward to seeing you, your family, and friends downtown this Saturday.”