Community Corner
49th Annual Woodmont Day
Festival, rich in history and tradition, drew a crowd of over 1,000.
Woodmont Day may seem like a fun day in the sun for some, but to many it holds lifelong memories and tradition in this tightly knit community.
"My dad used to live here when I was a kid so I come back every year with my children even though I no longer live in the area," said Wallingford resident Tom Simpson.
This year's festival took place at Trubee Doolittle Park and Middle Beach in Woodmont on Saturday.
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The daytime festivities began at 9:00 a.m. with a parade of local residents. The day -- which had the theme "Discovery," was filled with activities for the kids including swimming races, a water-balloon toss, hands-on games with prizes, face painting, food, a magician and lots more.
Participants in all activities received a ribbon for participation just for particicipating as well as first, second and third place in each age category.
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"I have been involved for over 20 years in this event; my wife Susan and I usually do this together," said Jim Oravetz, coordinator and referee of the swim races.
Kids showcased their skills at the talent show singing and telling jokes on stage.
"My family and I vacation in Milford during the summers. I have been coming to Woodmont Day for 41 years. We are the next generation," said Betsy Sachs at the talent show with her six children.
Kids to adults raced to finish blueberry pies donated by Bishops Orchards as the crowd cheered on during the annual pie eating contest.
The Discovery Museum was also on hand with a giant solar observation telescope showing crowd-goers sun spots.
Woodmont native Brad Bonessi was on hand having a blast with the kids overseeing potato-sack races and a water-balloon toss.
"My father did this for so many years and now I took his place," said Bonessi said
Ed Bonessi, Brad's father, was co-founder of Woodmont Day and a staple in the community.
The day ended with live bands and a raffle. From 4 to 6 p.m. families tend go home and rest until the evening festivities.
In the evening, the park was packed with several hundred people lounging and dancing to the sounds of the popular band, Flashback.
At Middle Beach, crowds camped out to enjoy the traditional bonfire.
At 11 p.m., all was done -- until next year.
