Kudos and Thanks to All Who Made the 19th Cannonball Run in Falls Village CT a Success!

What a treat to follow up the happy, magical for kids and the young-at-heart Halloween Party at Center on Main in Falls Village on October 31st, 2019 with a rousting run and walk by people from Falls Village and neighboring towns, many of whom are part of the Run 169 Towns in CT Club.

In case you plan to join in an event there, that's in 'the old church next to the former Town Hall that is a large building with steps across the front five deep.

That is just across the street diaganolly from 100 Main Street also  in the bustling (though sometimes sleepy) town of Falls Village (also known by some GPS and legally as Canaan, but not North Canaan which the locals call Canaan.

Now you're really in the know so may feel you're ready for a visit if not a longer stay. Check out the DM Hunt Library as I recommended to friends I made from Cornwall (and see if you can get a copy of The Cornwall Chronicle which I told could mention this small but mighty livfully.org blog so hello Cornwallers one and all.)

I did mention The Falls to a couple of folks as well and they got directions (which are also marked with signs as far as I know now, but always watch your proximity even on hiking trails and your kids and don't swim or jump in please.)

I met people from at least a dozen places, including those from Colchester (I think I'm recalling correctly) whose two youth placed well in their respective ranks. Other folks heralded from Fairfield, New Fairfield, and Enfield (so I offered that they had the field covered.)

I met people from North Hampton, Newington, Manchester, Coventy (near UCONN I was happy to hear) and Seymour. Once we can see more, we can do more!

Okay so clearly that was great to meet people who I let know I wanted to do special trip as they did to every town but felt it was even better having them all come to me and our small town. In a few minutes I'll head down to the Twelve Moons Coffee House which is held monthly on the first Saturday from 7pm to 10pm at that same venue.

Some kids and another adult joined in doing a cheer for  the late Ed McGuire who I explained to them was the reason for the Run.  Mr. McGuire served as a key part of the Falls Village Fire Department for many years and also working locally with his lovely family, who have kept this tradition going with friends from the fire and ambulance squads which the event benefits.  With thanks to the sponsors at the start of the runner's race, there was also a time of silent remembrance.

Then the next phase started with a bang! The cannon was fired and the racers took off with great aplomb and the sound of a rhythmic rousing drum (that was done by yours truly, an honor and a bit of a tradition for me to join in many such events using skills learned from the Salisbury Hand Drummers under the direction of John Marshall.)

Feel free to send in donations any time to this worth department that has a rather dazzling new facility on Route 7 not far from the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. That stellar public high school with a top notch agriculture department, robotics and science center (and much more) serves the six towns of  Falls Village, North Canaan and Cornwall. Salisbury, Sharon, and Kent.

I know there will be coverage in the Republican American as well as The Lakeville Journal, but overall I can fill you in that everybuddy was very cool and the sun was shining bright. They fire an actual small cannon which was parked near the red caboose at the end of Main Street near the famous Jacob's Garage.

Denny and Judy Jacobs and friends organize an ever more successful Falls Village Car Show each July, so put that on your calendar and see footage from the prior ten years. I suggested there be a booth this next year to commemorate one of the town's special anniversary dates, since it was founded in 1739...so that'd be 280 years (it was the 275th we were too busy to celebrate, but likely this year would feel like a nice catch-up time especially knowing the 5 years since 2014 went well. Helping publicize this and the other small towns can help them literally stay afloat!)

Good luck googling scenic footage and maybe online video postings of the race results for walkers and runners...and of the cannon being fired!  Ka-Boom and Have a Great November (and remember to turn your clocks back and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors...and have fire extinguishers handy in kitchens and each floor...and all sorts of safety minded game plans.)

For fun on Novemeber 3rd, 2019 there's Kids Day at the Sharon Audubon in CT on Route 4. Be careful when going in to park in the field and have someone help watch as you pull back out on Route 4, since the sight lines are not the best!

Bring layers of clothes in case the wind kicks up and warm shoes and a bag for goodies that may come your way. It's okay to bring your own sandwiches and snacks and they'll have some for sale as well. It's for Pre-K through 3rd grade and friendly costumes are fine to wear or bring along for a small parade. That's $20 a car, so load up and head on over thar.