The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy successfully hosted its annual Fall Fun Fest on Sunday, September 28, attracting nearly 2,000 attendees eager to partake in a variety of family-friendly activities. The event was marked by perfect weather that enhanced the day’s festive atmosphere, providing an ideal backdrop for pumpkin picking, face painting, live music, and engaging puppet shows.
Jeremiah Bosgang, the executive director of the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, expressed gratitude for the event’s turnout and described it as a wonderful day at the Preserve. He noted the festival’s significance, stating, “The Fall Fun Fest was truly a beautiful day at the Preserve,” emphasizing the joy it brought to families in the community.
Originally established in 2008 as “Village Day,” the event has evolved into a cornerstone of family entertainment, featuring live music, lawn games, animal presentations, and an array of local vendors selling artisanal food and crafts. This year’s festival also coincided with the conclusion of “Project Goatbusters,” an eco-friendly initiative aimed at restoring the Preserve’s landscape through the use of goats. These animals have played a crucial role in removing invasive plant species that threaten the local ecosystem, including poison ivy and English ivy. As Bosgang explained, the goats will return to their farm, Green Goats Rhinebeck, over the winter but are expected to come back in the spring.
Families attending the festival not only enjoyed fun activities but were also able to learn about the vital importance of ecological preservation. Vendors offered a variety of products, enriching the community experience—among them was Carrie Gilmore, who sold local, organic roasted corn and remarked on the event’s welcoming environment.
The festival also featured eight-generation beekeeper Ross Ber, who recounted his history with honey harvesting, which began when his daughters gifted him a beekeeping kit. Now, 25 years later, his daughters no longer need to visit an allergist thanks to the benefits they receive from the honey he produces.
As the day concluded, Bosgang reiterated the Preserve’s commitment to community engagement and ecological education, stating, “It was wonderful to see so many people out on the grounds, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to experience all that the Preserve has to offer.” The Fall Fun Fest not only celebrates the change of seasons but also strengthens community ties through shared experiences and a collective appreciation for nature.
The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy continues to play a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and engagement, making events like the Fall Fun Fest a vital part of its mission.
