Rachel Louchen reports from Great Barrington. Berkshire County residents, especially those who live in Great Barrington, have grown accustomed to the extensive construction of Main Street. That's why it was a welcome sight to have the excavators and bulldozer replaced by a dining setup lining Main Street, complete with guests decked out in head-to-toe white (the only hard hats around repurposed as centerpieces). The Dig and Dine event returned on Wednesday, July 29 for its second go-around this summer due to popular demand following the first very successful event in June. As traffic continued to roll by, 152 diners feasted on a meal catered jointly by Naji's, Castle Street Café and Old Inn on the Green. The brainchild of Barbara Watkins, proprietor of Evergreen, the dinner's main goal was to show that, despite the torn-up sidewalks and traffic created by construction, downtown Great Barrington is a united and thriving community. Above, Barbara Watkins with Anita Schilling and Stefani Samek.
Amy McNally, Betsy Strickland, director of admissions at the Darrow School, former Berkshire resident Sophia Xethlis, visiting from Illinois, and Brenda Petell.
Alford resident Ann Marie Genco, with June Wink, said she was happy to be on the good side of traffic, finally; Great Barrington Selectman Stephen Bannon and Chip Elitzer.
Steve Hannum, Jim Kelly, Jill Graham and Julie Hannum, all of Sheffield; Jan and Jerry Tuckman were happy to support the town.
Jeff Caminiti, Richard Waldburger, Stefani Samek, Cindy Caminiti and Melinka Jackson get ready to feast.
Roberta Haas and husband Steven Haas saw photos from the first dinner and wanted to participate; Sandi Wojtkowski, Daralyn Hospot and Michele Wojtkowski.
Housatonic's Stephanie Higgins and her mother, Melissa Beeson Higgins; the musical stylings of Sandy & Sandy helped drown out the sound of the (very close by) traffic.
Just a few of the hundred-plus diners enjoying the food and weather, against the backdrop of Main Street's stately architecture.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
