As I drive past Whiteface Mountain this afternoon, I am uneasy to hear of tornado warnings for the Adirondack region. The wind has begun to kick up and the rain begins to pelt.

But that was yesterday...and what a difference a day makes! This morning is a glorious mix of sunshine and clouds. I decide to check out the Harvest Festival at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall in Whallonsburg. On my way I can't resist arranging a quick hike with friends up Baxter Mountain in Keene. The view from the top of this little mountain is like a work of art, especially on a day like today.

The scene in Whallonsburg is just as picturesque. I arrive in the middle of the afternoon festivities with Whallonsburgers cooking on the grill outside, plenty of baked goodies inside the building, along with books for sale, tasty granola samples, facepainting, and several adorable and adoptable kittens frolicking in a pen.

The Grange has come a long way in a few short years thanks to a core of dedicated community volunteers and some very successful fund-raising. It is a model for what a community can do to a cherished old building. The Grange Hall now hosts a smattering of cultural events, including the Champlain Valley Film Society which is now calling the Grange its permanent home.

Today, in addition to cider press and corn-on-the-cob, there are fire engines ready to do "the big squirt" and music all afternoon. I arrive just as The Wannabees take the stage. The harmonies of this folk quartet are lovely and the selection of songs is perfect for this afternoon's harvest theme. Mary-Nell Bockman tells us that the ladies got their start at this event two years ago. Today she, Katharine Preston, and Donna Sue Sonnett are joined by Don Vacaro who contributes to some of the harmonies as well as to the folk guitar scene. Then Donna and Don perform some duo numbers including some soothing songs from the Everly Brothers.

Next in the line-up is Jay Fiegl whose interesting patter provides a wonderful segue to his original music. This performer amazed the audience by keeping two different rhythms—one on the harmonica, the other simultaneously on the guitar. And finally, we are treated to the heartfelt blues of Russ Bailey with Franz Pope on the intriguing electric stand-up bass.

The most recent e-mail I received from the Whallonsburg Grange was chockfull of a smattering of fun and exciting events coming up this fall. I learn from Mary-Nell Bockman (who is a graphic designer by day) that she is responsible for this e-mailing and the web site. Both are beautifully executed pieces of promotion and it is no wonder the Grange has been so successful.

Every time I come to the Grange I am amazed at the improvements that have been made to the building. I peek into the basement today to see the fully functioning commerical kitchen abuzz. The room beyond now has a brand new floor, a new coat of paint, and looks ready to host any number of community workshops or meetings.

Some of the upcoming programs scheduled for the main floor of this venue are the ever-popular Lyceum lecture series, movies like--"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "The Swell Season," "Moonrise Kingdom," "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," and "Monseiur Lazhar"--sponsored by the Lake Champlain Film Society, and, of course music events like "Pastures of Plenty: Music of and Inspired by Woody Guthrie" in celebration of the folk artist's 100th birthday. On October 13 Jay Fiegl will open for the main Woody Guthrie event with Betty and the Baby Boomers. There's also a Fall Square Dance scheduled for November 10 and The Grange Off-Beat Xmas Party on December 8.

For more detailed programming information click through to the Whallonsburg Grange web site.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.