Record crowd for Founders’ Day

BY MICHAEL J. RUDOLF

Wyoming County Press Examiner

TUNKHANNOCK - Organizers, vendors and visitors alike believe this year's Founders' Day was extremely successful.

Saturday's festivities attracted a record number of people to Tunkhannock, according to Rich Santee of the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association.

"We're estimating between 6,500 and 7,000," Santee said. About 5,000 attended Founders' Day in 2008, he noted.

In addition, Santee said those who did come seemed to stay in town longer.

"There was a bigger variety of things to do, and that kept people at the event," he said.

Visitors who have been to Founders' Day in the past said they always find something new each year.

"There's everything. It's just a wonderful event for Tunkhannock to hav. We try to come every year," said Kelly Koslansky of Tunkhannock.

Cindy Moyer of Tunkhannock said she moved here from New Jersey three years ago, and can't wait for Founders' Day each year.

"Our first weekend here was Founders' Day, and we haven't missed one since," she said.

Others were making their first visit to the event, and plan to return.

"I'm having a wonderful time. We thought it would be a great way to spend the afternoon," noted Walter Chamberlain of Lehman.

"This is my first time here and it's really nice," commented Amanda Chambala of Johnson City, N.Y.

Several of the businesses, crafters and organizations who participated had positive reactions to the festivities.

Bob Bode of Windsor, N.Y., who has brought his craft business "Train Central Station" to Founders' Day for many years, said this time around was as busy as ever.

"The crowd was excellent," he said.

Bode believes that the community atmosphere is the big attraction.

"People are looking for something where they don't have to travel very far and not spend a lot of money. The simple life," he said.

Laureen Hubbard, one of the owners of H&H Gardens of Factoryville, is also a return vendor. She said Founders' Day benefits her business as well as the community.

"It's our hometown. It's a good way to market our product," Hubbard said.

For Russell Very of Montrose, this was his first venture as a Founders' Day vendor, selling raw milk cheese.

"We got some good exposure," Very said.

Christopher Glinton of Forest City brought his business, Ros-Al Floral and Antiques, to the Tunkhannock event for the first time as well.

"People were talking about it and said what a great event it was," Glinton said. "It definitely lived up to our expectations."