Millbrook’s event is all about community

There has been a lively discussion recently regarding how the town of Washington and the village of Millbrook should handle some of their more festive events. Primarily, residents are concerned about Millbrook’s Community Day, and if it should be scheduled to coincide with Orvis Sandanona’s Family Game Day; the latter is a huge draw, bringing in crowds from around the globe. The key word to focus on in this debate, however, must remain in sight. Community. It is the much beloved Millbrook community, and all that makes it wonderful, that should be shared with the world. Amazingly, people from near and far are familiar with this Hudson Valley village — they know it for its rural charm and absolute beauty, its stylish shops and first-rate eateries, its antiques shops and fascinating history, its horse farms and equestrian community, its high society and unique style. That there are so many events, including Community Day and the Orvis weekend, but also Merritt Bookstore’s literary fair, the village’s firemen’s parade, Crisp Architect’s Home Show, the Millbrook Arts Group’s summer concerts, the Sip and Sign at the Millbrook Winery, the many art exhibits and performances at the Millbrook Free Library, among others, only adds to Millbrook’s allure. Then there are the activities and events held by the many schools, both public and private: the high school’s plays and musical concerts, The Millbrook School’s Trevor Zoo, Dutchess Day School’s science and book fairs — again, too many to count but oh, so many to enjoy.Opening this community up to the rest of the world is the best way to let Millbrook shine. It has so much to offer and gains much from doing so. Its restaurants and shops get much-needed foot traffic (in this economy who would turn that down?) from those who visit time and again. Its tax base, including local Realtors, decorators and everyone from hardware dealers to antique dealers, gain from those who buy second homes or decide to make Millbrook or the town of Washington their permanent address. Its reputation gains further luster from the positive word of mouth spread by those who spent anywhere from an hour having coffee and some quiche to a weekend at a bed and breakfast.The whole Hudson Valley, and northeastern Dutchess County, specifically, benefit from that exposure. That’s because those who visit Millbrook often venture out further, frequently stopping by Millerton, Amenia, Pine Plains, sometimes even crossing state lines into Lakeville or Kent, Conn.Yes, making Millbrook’s Community Day a larger event, to coincide with Orvis Sandanona’s Family Day, is worth pursuing. The enormity of the day, of the weekend, really, should be a huge attraction. Why not see if it works, and how it works? If it grows too large, the two entities can always sever their ties next year. But if it does work, if it is successful, what a coup for the community! What a way to celebrate the many things that make the village of Millbrook and the town of Washington so wonderful, so unique and such a great community to be a part of.

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