To the Editor:

Now that spring is here, our thoughts turn to opportunities open to us during the good weather facing us. We need to enjoy our lives each day.

As I sit overlooking my frozen lake very slowly thawing, I’m thinking of the Altamont Fair scheduled for Aug. 13 to 18.

From this time of the year, there is much work to be accomplished. Very soon boats stored for the winter in the buildings will be removed. The grounds need care and buildings will need to be repaired and cleaned.

So many people are involved and needed to make it a successful week in Altamont. Some of those important people are Amy anderson, Bob Santorelli, Willard Schultz, Pat Canaday, Tom Della Rocco, Harald Hahn, Barbara Stevens, Beverly Filkins, Dan Albright, Kathy Owens, Judy Osta, Ian Conners, Rachel McCormick, Jeffrey Brown, and Kelly Collins.

There are many more who devote hours almost around the clock even a week or more before the fair opens.

So now the fair needs exhibitors for the cattle, goat, sheep, chicken, antique and classic cars, flowers, vegetable, arts and crafts buildings. There are still more I have not mentioned, including the machinery section near the Farmers’ Museum. Cindy Pollard and the late Midge Peterson were known for their clever methods of restoration.

Let us hope the weather will cooperate this August 13 to 18 so that the carnival can be in full motion and the fair displays can be well attended. The concessions produce delicious aromas of their speciality and various demonstrations can be performed comfortably.

All the various animals need to show off their beauty. The one-room schoolhouse and the 1890 “Joe Merli” building should be on the list.

The fair board and the associate members have accomplished very much in many respects. How please Stuart Rombaugh, Fred Hart, Charlie Cody, Dan Frederick, Vincent Gutsch, dick Langenback, William Purtell, Walt Ariller, Bob Wais, and Reid Northrup would be. Each had done so much in the past!

They never lived to observe the new office, cattle barn and the added blacktop. Buildings have been improved. The grounds show the beautiful display of flowers.

For those who have recently moved into Altamont and this area, it should be brought to their attention that the Altamont Reformed Church, St. Lucy’s Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Altamont Fire Department, and Noah Lodge (Masons) have all benefited by this event.

What can you do to  make this big project a success as well as a happy experience for you? Your attendance would be great or maybe you might also like to have a booth and sell a product. Call Amy Anderson, fair director, at 518-861-6671, or email her at info@altamontfair.com.

Betty Spadaro

Lake George

Editor’s note: Betty Allen spadaro, a long-time Altamont resident and teacher at the one-room schoolhouse on the Bozenkill, since moved to the Altamont fairgrounds, turned 100 last Sept. 8.