Save the date

It is with heartfelt disappointment that our Fourth Annual Pumpkin Festival, traditionally held in the Pine Island Town Park, will be “on hold” for this year. Due to Hurricane Irene and the devastation that our farmers are experiencing, we ask you instead to help us focus our efforts and attention in supporting the local Farm Aid event that will occur on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Warwick Valley High School. Donations are accepted, as well as supporting the event itself. Hoping to raise $25,000 to go directly to the affected local farmers, there will be a benefit concert from 4 to 9 p.m. or $25 a tickets. However, organizers are providing there is a free family and friends open house event from 1 to 4 p.m. - all put on by our local artists, musicians, school, and community people. It will be like a fair with many ways for everyone to paint, dance, get Black Dirt area information, listen to stories and enjoy music all over the place. A special invitation goes to everyone to join in painting a mural of appreciation that will go to our firefighters, police and DPW workers who helped us stay safe during this awful time. Please check the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce web site for updates and how to contribute. In the meantime, we thank you for joining forces with us in this positive family event in past years, and please save the date (Columbus Day 2012) for next year, when the pumpkins are more plentiful and crops in general are more bountiful. Eve McClanahan, vice president The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce