Even Hurricane Irene can't stop New Berlin's Youth Days
NEW BERLIN – New Berlin’s Youth Days was forced to pre-emptively cancel all events on the final day of the 50th anniversary celebration Sunday due to Hurricane Irene. However, the event was still a success, said organizer Larissa Hanslmaier.
According to Hanslmaier, Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend and usually draws the largest crowd. This year was no exception as the streets around Milford Academy became filled with people from across two counties for the 50th annual Youth Days celebration.
The day began at 9 p.m. as Agro-Farma kicked off its first Chobani 5k Unadilla River Run and 2k walk. According to Tom Lawson, race director, the turnout far exceeded what anyone was expecting.
“We were hoping for 100 entries, but we ended up with over 160,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of great volunteers help from the fire and police departments.”
Lawson said that although this year’s race was designed specifically for the 50th anniversary of Youth Days, he expects that it will become an annual event based on the participation and support. Cassie Stanton, events coordinator for Chobani, agreed that the race was a huge success and said she would expect the event to continue.
“We have way more people than we expected and everyone loves it,” she said.
Chobani, aside from sponsoring the race, also provided prizes for the winners in each category. Medals and $10 gift certificates were awarded to winners of each age group, and the top three champions were awarded $25 gift cards for Chobani Yogurt and lunchpails made specifically for the event.
This year’s first place winner was John Mooney from Norwich. Mooney is only 16, but said he had been training for the race and enjoyed the route immensely.
The rest of the day was devoted to the carnival and a variety of programs for children and adults alike. Event coordinator Larry Lloyd was confident the day would draw a large crowd and enough money would be made to compensate for all of the events.
“Even though times have been tough ... corporate sponsors have been good and stepped up to help,” he said. “So far the money raised has been up from last year, which includes food and donations.”
The 5k run was not the only addition to this year’s celebration. Lloyd explained that the food booth had expanded and there were new rides for some of the older kids. Another addition was the Bainbridge Old Tyme Band, a 16-piece ensemble that serenaded everyone from the center of town throughout the celebration.
“We were more than happy to be a part of this,” said Reed Baker, leader and conductor of the group.
Saturday finished with the much-anticipated parade through the center of town. Floats, cars, bands and all manner of walkers made their way past the cheering crowds that filled both sides of the street.
“It’s really a good time for everyone,” said Lori Wilson. “It’s one of the few times when you get to see everyone in one place.”
Despite the poor weather on Sunday and the cancellation of the events, everyone expressed relief at the amount of people who attended on Friday and Saturday.
“There are many more people than I expected,” said New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter. “But that’s certainly not a bad thing.”
According to Hanslmaier, Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend and usually draws the largest crowd. This year was no exception as the streets around Milford Academy became filled with people from across two counties for the 50th annual Youth Days celebration.
The day began at 9 p.m. as Agro-Farma kicked off its first Chobani 5k Unadilla River Run and 2k walk. According to Tom Lawson, race director, the turnout far exceeded what anyone was expecting.
“We were hoping for 100 entries, but we ended up with over 160,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of great volunteers help from the fire and police departments.”
Lawson said that although this year’s race was designed specifically for the 50th anniversary of Youth Days, he expects that it will become an annual event based on the participation and support. Cassie Stanton, events coordinator for Chobani, agreed that the race was a huge success and said she would expect the event to continue.
“We have way more people than we expected and everyone loves it,” she said.
Chobani, aside from sponsoring the race, also provided prizes for the winners in each category. Medals and $10 gift certificates were awarded to winners of each age group, and the top three champions were awarded $25 gift cards for Chobani Yogurt and lunchpails made specifically for the event.
This year’s first place winner was John Mooney from Norwich. Mooney is only 16, but said he had been training for the race and enjoyed the route immensely.
The rest of the day was devoted to the carnival and a variety of programs for children and adults alike. Event coordinator Larry Lloyd was confident the day would draw a large crowd and enough money would be made to compensate for all of the events.
“Even though times have been tough ... corporate sponsors have been good and stepped up to help,” he said. “So far the money raised has been up from last year, which includes food and donations.”
The 5k run was not the only addition to this year’s celebration. Lloyd explained that the food booth had expanded and there were new rides for some of the older kids. Another addition was the Bainbridge Old Tyme Band, a 16-piece ensemble that serenaded everyone from the center of town throughout the celebration.
“We were more than happy to be a part of this,” said Reed Baker, leader and conductor of the group.
Saturday finished with the much-anticipated parade through the center of town. Floats, cars, bands and all manner of walkers made their way past the cheering crowds that filled both sides of the street.
“It’s really a good time for everyone,” said Lori Wilson. “It’s one of the few times when you get to see everyone in one place.”
Despite the poor weather on Sunday and the cancellation of the events, everyone expressed relief at the amount of people who attended on Friday and Saturday.
“There are many more people than I expected,” said New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter. “But that’s certainly not a bad thing.”
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