To the Editor:

It’s time to thank to all the members of our community who helped make Berne’s Summerfest a rousing success. 

Thanks to the Steering Committee — Wayne Emory, Phyllis Johnson, Dawn Jordan, Mary Alice Molgard, Dick Stock, Kevin Toomey, and Mike Vincent — that spent untold hours planning and organizing the event. They were the heart of the festival.

Thanks also to the many talented musicians and performers who entertained throughout the day.   The Bluestones, Hilltown Ramblers, Just a Bunch of Guys, Shine Hill Road, and the Red Haired Strangers kept the audience singing and rockin’, while the open jam session kept people dancing well after the fireworks ended.

Ralph Miller’s depiction of the Dietz Massacre, and Leslie Wray’s Puppeteers were priceless.

Support services provided by The Helderberg Ambulance, the Berne Fire Police, the Berne fire companies, Scott Green, and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department were essential. Whether bandaging scrapes, displaying equipment, or keeping the traffic flowing, their presence was both reassuring and helpful.

Together, these individuals and groups, along with the many unnamed vendors, bakers, and volunteers created a fun-filled, festive day. The community came together for the enjoyment of all.

We are fortunate to live in a community where such generosity of time, energy, and spirit are so willingly shared. It ensured a successful Summerfest, and defines a strong community. For that, we can all say thank you.

Karen Schimmer
Summerfest Chairwoman
Berne