Rensselaer Falls celebrates 100 years with village festival

By JACOB TIERNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

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RENSSELAER FALLS — The village celebrated 100 years of existence with games, music and more at the Rensselaer Falls centennial celebration Saturday.

Village residents have been planning the festival since July. It was created to celebrate the founding of Rensselaer Falls on Oct. 12, 1912, and to raise money for the library, cemetery, playground and other local organizations.

Village residents enjoyed music, games and a parade.

“I think it’s the greatest thing to happen to this town since the last festival,” village resident Clinton Stoner said.

It has been a long time. Rensselaer Falls has not had a festival since the late 1980s.

“This is a first,” said Christine A. LaQuier, one of the organizers.

The street was crowded with village residents, both past and present.

“It brings a lot of people back into town that have moved away,” resident William I. Bennett said.

Children could test their dexterity with a ring toss or dunk tank, or test their appetite at a hot-dog eating competition. “I am never eating another hot dog again,” said Leah N. Foote, 9, Canton, after scarfing down three in the contest..

Music was provided by the New Horizon Band, Pure Country and others from around the area.

The centennial festivities brought a change in routine for the 100-year-old town.

“This town doesn’t see a lot of entertainment, so this is good,” resident Warren M. Wright said.

Residents may not have to wait 30 years for another festival. Event organizer Jolene M. LaSiege said it was a fun way to raise much-needed funds for village organizations, and it may return next year.

“I would love to see it become an annual festival, but it would take a lot of work and a lot of volunteers” Mrs. LaSiege said.