KAUNEONGA LAKE — The forecast was adamant that storms would plague the skies from dawn to dusk, but Kauneonga Lake was spared even a single drop of rain at its second annual block party.

The unexpected cooperation of the weather lent itself to the resounding success of the event, along with 47 different local vendors who turned up to showcase their merchandise.

From handcrafted jewelry, to the ever requisite fresh lemonade stand, to Rosehaven Alpacas, who brought along three members of their fuzzy, hay-munching herd, everyone was eager to offer a taste of Sullivan County.

For the entirety of its five-hour duration, the festival attracted an impressive crowd that swelled to fill the streets of the small hamlet.

Six bands, including a group of young performers from the Forestburgh Playhouse, provided the perfect soundtrack as people perused the booths and sampled the delicacies of local restaurants.

Between pizza, quesadillas, falafel, and of course, desserts offered by the Bethel Market Café, there was no shortage of fare to choose from.

The scenic locale, quaint Kauneonga Lake, and the dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly the whole day ensured that the block party was even “bigger and better” than it was last year, according to event organizer Moreen Lerner. Planning began in January and culminated in a smoothly run and successful day, as the team's efforts saw both an increase in attendance and number of vendors, of which there had been only 27 the previous year.

Though it's billed as the “Kauneonga Block Party,” the emphasis is really on Bethel itself: fostering economic growth and building ties with local businesses through friendly connections.

Ultimately, the goal of the event was to bolster community spirit, and at the end of the day, with all intentions accomplished, Lerner and her team were already looking forward to next year's festivities.