Liberty celebrates the season

Photos by Gina Ballard | Manor Ink Mentor

The Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Dept. held its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty. The event was the largest to date, with vendors, food, hayrides, pumpkin picking, horseback riding, a hay maze, games and face painting.

New to the festival was the Great Pumpkin Dash, a 5K race hosted in conjunction by Parks and Recreation and the Liberty Central School District. Participants could choose to run, walk or hike, with all contestant and supporter donations going to both Ride 2 Survive Sullivan County and the LCS National Honor Society.

Donations of food and care items were collected by the LCS District for the nonprofit agency Fearless. Serving both Orange and Sullivan counties, Fearless is committed to helping survivors of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking by providing free and confidential services.

Appealing weather and colorful fall foliage added to the autumn atmosphere of this family friendly and worthy charitable event.

Race raises funds and fun

Scores of striders, hikers and walkers participated in the first-ever Great Pumpkin Dash, held during the Liberty Fall Festival on Walnut Mountain. Competitors were challenged to complete a 5K course while raising funds for Liberty’s high school and for Ride 2 Survive-Sullivan County, Inc. R2R is a community-based volunteer organization whose mission is to assist with transportation expenses for county residents or those receiving treatment locally, who are under the care of an oncologist and who have been diagnosed with cancer or pre-malignant conditions. The group is also hosting its annual Dinner Dance at the Club at Villa Roma on Nov. 1. To buy tickets or to make a donation, email ride2survivesc@gmail or mail checks to Ride 2 Survive, PO Box 282, Youngsville, NY 12791.