News Release

Friday, April 18, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Andrew Baker, 413-296-4536 ext.18, andrewb@hilltowncdc.org

2008 Hilltown Spring Festival To Feature New Family Activities
Launch of Multi-Generational Triathlon Event Timed for Mother's Day Weekend

HILLTOWNS --- The Hilltown CDC's 2nd annual Hilltown Spring Festival will feature a host of new family activities for children of all ages on Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Cummington Fairgrounds. New this year will be the launch of the Highland Unusual Games Triathlon, a multi-generational event for 5-member teams including competitors whose ages fall in five different decades. Horseshoes, egg racing and Frisbee golf will be the featured events this year.

Animal-related activities are also multiplying. New this year will be the Northwest Flyers, a Hilltown pigeon racing club. They are rumored to be planning a 'pigeon-plop bingo' for the betting public. Bob Sadowski of Peace Haven Farm in Plainfield will present horsemanship demonstrations. And Rocky Acres Farm will return with their much beloved petting zoo of small goats, ponies, rabbits and other furry creatures.

The Festival stages will host new student performances, including dance presentations by Ballet Soleil of Williamsburg and the Huntington Dance Centre. Hampshire Regional High School students will present a drama improvisation, followed by several student music groups.

Frank Grindrod from Earthwork Programs will conduct workshops on making fire by friction and other survival skills. Lui Collins, local musician and Director of Hilltown Music Together, will present a family music program for parents and young children. And the Cummington Family Center will organize children's activities. Still other family activities are in the planning stages.

The Hilltown CDC's annual Spring Festival is designed to showcase the food, music, artists, and enterprises located throughout the Hilltowns, while celebrating our many talents and treasures. If you have an activity or business you would like to feature at the Festival, please contact Jennifer Peotter at Hilltown CDC: (413) 296-4536 or at jenniferp@hilltowncdc.org. Hilltown CDC is also seeking volunteers to help with the event.

The festival is being underwritten by seventeen area business sponsors and by ten Hilltown cultural councils, which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information on the Festival, visit the HCDC website at www.hilltowncdc.org.