Millerton Al Fresco a success
Located at 19 Main St., the Oakhurst Diner offered outdoor seating to diners of all ages during Millerton Al Fresco. Photo submitted

Millerton Al Fresco a success

MILLERTON — In an effort to celebrate summer and re-energize the reopening of Millerton businesses following their closure during the coronavirus pandemic, the Millerton Business Alliance (MBA) sponsored Millerton Al Fresco, a weekend-long event coinciding with Dutchess County’s transition into Phase 3 of reopening. The county entered Phase 3 on Tuesday, June 23.

Running from Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, most village restaurants were open during the weekend with sidewalk dining and some indoor seating available to customers at a lessened capacity. 

“Friday and Sunday were certainly hopping in the village, with Saturday’s enthusiasm just a little bit dampened by the much needed rain, but overall the weekend was bustling and everyone seemed glad to be out and have somewhere fun to go,” said Montage owner and MBA member Dana Rohn. “I’m happy to report that mask-wearing was observed by most. All in all it was a success.”

Oblong Books & Music owner and MBA member Dick Hermans agreed the weekend was successful — despite the wet and humid weather.

“While Oblong was not quite ready to open this weekend, it sure seemed like Millerton was coming back to life,” he said, encouraged by the traffic on Main Street.

Many village retail shops were open and offered sidewalk sales  during the weekend. Shoppers also stopped by the Millerton Farmers Market on Saturday to browse through its selection of fresh local produce, meats and other merchandise. 

— Kaitlin Lyle

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