Stratford welcomes spring
Sampling, egg decorating, mini golf mark open houseBy ANGELA BURCH, Messenger staff writer
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STRATFORD - Stratford residents officially welcomed spring to the sound of birds chirping, the sun shining and neighbors mingling Saturday.
The town held its annual Spring Open House giving residents the opportunity to participate in community activities as well as attend open houses at Stratford businesses.
People strolled through downtown in the open shops and local cafes that were packed with the lunch-hour crowd. They tasted food samples at the Stratford Food Center and played miniature golf throughout the hallways and rooms at Athens Woods Estate.
The Wibholm family was at the Swedish Immigrant Museum as part of the town's festivities. Among the activities, 6-year-old Kayley and 4-year-old Jayden worked carefully to paint their Easter eggs with vibrant spring colors.
"It's nice that we have something for the kids to do here locally," said Erik Wibholm. "The kids really enjoy it."
Carol Larson, a volunteer at the Swedish Immigrant Museum - not her letting brightly colored hands slow her down - helped organize the kids' activities at the museum.
"It's been a tradition for me to have an open house when the town does," she said of the museum. "We have had quite a few kids come through."
A block away, the Vintage Parlor was open for people to come in and participate in "make and take" projects organized by local 4-H'ers. Sharon Bergman, one of the leaders of the Stratford Spirit 4-H organization said the kids were working on the projects to prepare them for their spring working exhibits which will be held in April.
Tatyana Soloviyov, 11, was heading the table where people could come in and make essentially edible frogs - using apples, cream cheese balls, grapes and chocolate chips.
"It is very important that they have the chance to exhibit in front of people," Bergman said. "It gives them life skills and really good experience to talk with people of all ages and walk them through making their frogs."
Vendors were set up in the adjoining room - ranging from crafts and food to artwork and salon services - to wander through.
Connie Krammer, who owns the Enchanted Mirror in downtown Stratford said it was a great way for home-based businesses to display their goods for people to see.
"It gives people the opportunity for people to come in and see what Stratford has to offer and to enjoy themselves," Krammer. "We're ready to share our spring smiles with everybody."
With the sun shining and Friday's snow starting to melt, Stratford residents were eager to get out and mingle in crisp spring air to support their town.
Contact Angela Burch at (515) 573-2141 or aburch@messengernews.net
