By Andrew S.
Fun for the whole family was had at the annual Hancock Spring Festival on Saturday, May 24.
The Hancock Partners, a non-profit corporation dedicated to fostering and promoting the economic and social growth of the Greater Hancock, New York area, sponsored the event.
The underlying theme of the day was patriotism in preparation for the upcoming Memorial Day. The atmosphere was nothing short of a fun packed social gathering.
The day started quietly as the citizens of Hancock ambled along to the festivities.
The highlight of the day was the parade in which numerous war vehicles, classic cars, fire trucks, and a float were showing off their own versions of pride in the red, white, and blue.
There was also a puppet show put on by a local church. Spiritual songs were sung to the familiar tunes of The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and other well-known artists.
There was a local performer who sang songs while playing the piano for entertainment. The Family Singers also made an appearance at the festival.
At the festival a number of different vendors offered merchandise such as jewelry, clothing, replicas of weapons, etc.
The Hancock Fire Department cooked up and sold some delicious barbecued chicken.
The Hancock Community Education Foundation (HCEF) sold home-made fries, offered face painting, and miscellaneous games for the kids. The HCEF raises money for scholarships, and their mission is to get as many Hancock High School graduates into college as possible.
FFS staff member, Mindy McAndrew brought six students to help her make and sell fries as well as serve at the kids’ activities.
“My favorite part about volunteering in Hancock was giving back to the community and managing my time to make new friends,” said Georgia P., student at FFS.
The festival finale was a video presentation put together by Hancock Partner Jerry DeBrescia on Hancock’s Memorial Days in the 1950s and 60s.
The event was held in the Capra Cinema and featured the history of Hancock Memorial Day parades along with all the War Veterans from Hancock throughout time.
