HAWLEY — The town’s annual “Hawley Day” is set for Sunday at 10 a.m., offering townspeople an opportunity to enjoy live music and food while celebrating the lives of residents past and present.
The event is hosted by the town’s historical society, the Sons and Daughters of Hawley, according to President Lark Thwing.
The day begins at 10 a.m. at the 1846 Meetinghouse, located at the intersections of East Hawley, Buckland and Plainfield roads. There, a “koffee klatch” will provide drinks and pastries as well as offer town-themed gifts and books.
At 11 a.m., Sons and Daughters will hold its annual business meeting, followed by a memorial service to celebrate the six Hawley residents who died over the last 12 months. To honor these townspeople, six flowers will be added to a bouquet to represent the “life and vitality of all those who are no longer with us,” Thwing said.
Afterward, a potluck lunch will be held in front of the Grove — a town community center located across the street from the Meetinghouse — or inside the building if it rains. Residents are encouraged to bring their favorite dish, while Sons and Daughters will provide cold salads, drinks and desserts. Denny Avery and Jim Egan will provide music.
At the luncheon, videos of previous town events and history will play on laptops inside the Grove for residents to view. Several awards will be distributed to the youngest and eldest male and female residents, as well as the attendee who traveled the farthest to be there.
Thwing said the event offers Hawley residents a rare opportunity to come together and learn about the history of their town.
“The objective of the Sons and Daughters is to preserve the history of Hawley, to educate the community about that history,” Thwing said, “and to provide a gathering for socializing for members of Hawley, being such a small community.”
Contact Sons and Daughters of Hawley Secretary Pamela Shrimpton with questions at 413-339-4091 or pam@forgehollow.com.
Reach Grace Bird at gbird@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280.