The Main Street Gang, a small group of Gardiner business owners committed to keeping the Hamlet open for business and growing, is diligently working on the details for the Third Annual Gardiner Cupcake Festival. This event showcases the sweeter side of the community, closing off Main Street for the day and inviting the neighbors from all around the Hudson Valley to an old-fashioned block party. Crafters, musicians, children’s activities, wine tasting and an unlimited supply of cupcakes of every size and variety (this year from more than a dozen bakeries) will be tucked under commercial-sized tents, making the event a go, rain or shine, on Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 11:00 to 5:00.
The cupcake competition has become more “decorated” since last year, with the addition of celebrity judges to taste and review professional and amateur entries. Rachel Kramer Bussel and Nichelle Stephens, founding editors of Cupcakes Take the Cake, an internationally-acclaimed blog, are just two of the judges who will decide on the winning cupcakes. King Arthur Flour is sponsoring the amateur categories and will be providing prizes.
With such an energetic group, additions to the festival are happening weekly. It’s a must attend event because “life should be one big celebration.” The pride this “gang” has in this community has turned into an annual celebration that honors the Hamlet and strengthens their ties to it. For more information about this year’s festival, visit www.gardinercupcakefestival.com or call the Cupcake Hotline at 845 256-1122.