Columbia Land Conservancy's Country Barbecue: Come Rain or Come Shine

Dale Stewart reports from Livingston, NY. The threatening skies and fall-like weather muted the attendance at the Sunday, May 26, Columbia Land Conservancy's Country Barbecue, the 26th annual event at David Rockefeller’s Clum and Patchen Farm. Those who did venture out were rewarded with the sounds of The Spurs USA (who covered country classics), and amused by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, with their stunning carnival feats. Touted as “a celebration of rural culture," attendees watched while Ralph Hartzell, pictured left, held court over both of his two-ton oxen, while children loomed over hay mazes, pet miniature horses, baby bunnies and chicks, painted backpacks, and watched a birds of prey demonstration. Eventually, the sun beamed down and the oncoming summer could be felt in a late-day warm up as guests snacked on local food provided by Carlucci-Simons Catering, and tasty adult beverages such as Chatham Brewing's “Summer Hummer" cream ale. The fun poured into the parking lot, where guests were ferried to and from their cars on a horse-drawn trolley for additional views of the majestic 400-acre farm.