Community comes out for Ogdensburg Day

OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg and surrounding communities enjoyed the annual Ogdensburg Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Co-organizer Councilman George Hutnick said he was pleased residents — and others — were enjoying themselves as the borough organized: free amusements, live music, and food vendors. He added everybody is involved: police department, first aid squad, volunteer fire department, businesses, Sterling Hill Mine, Ogdensburg School, and Parent Teacher Organization.
Co-organizer Vicki Schroeder said her favorite part of the day “is seeing the kids being able to just have fun as a community. It costs them nothing. The only thing mom and dad have to pay for is the food.”
Dignitaries Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, N.J. Senator Steve Oroho, Ogdensburg Council write-in candidate Michael Nardini, and Ogdensburg Council members also attended.
Children bounced in the free Mickey Mouse bounce house, climbed ropes in the Boot Camp bounce house, and twirled in the tea cup ride, while others played basketball.
Hutnick said Schroeder checked everything for the fun and safety factor before ordering.
Hobbies turned business booth included Robin Hough's crocheted baby sweaters, hats, and cloth pillows for sale. However, Hough was more interested in the “Toasty Noggins” group, a crochet for cancer group organized by Louise Murphy, being acknowledged than her own crochet booth.
Another hobby turned business booth included Chris Hara. who sold painted home decorations. Hara said, his dad cuts the different wood shapes, and Chris paints them.
The Mud Sharks played funky, rock music during the afternoon.
Eddie & the Briquettes spoke about his grilling plans for a whole German October Fest at Heater's Pond this Oct.: bratwurst, knockwurst, homemade German Potato Salad, and big pretzels.
Ogdensburg First Aid Squad volunteer Pat Sabourin smiled and covered the squad booth.
The Volunteer Fire Department cut 125 lbs. of potatoes with their french fry cutter. They also grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, while enjoying a special camaraderie.
The firemen mused regarding how being volunteers was something bred in them, while remembering when Ogdensburg only had 900 residents and three or four dairy farms.
One volunteer, who specifically kept his name secret while joking about being part of the witness protection program, pulled out some fresh fries from sizzling oil and commented, “We're having fun.”