Orange County Summer Events Showcase Community Spirit

Curtis and Heather Johnson with Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus at Long Lot Farm Brewery in Chester, N.Y. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan

Commentary

From farm fields to airfields, it has been busy and interesting in Orange County!

Let us start with Curtis Johnson’s journey. Johnson is a U.S. Army veteran, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, and now the brewmaster behind Long Lot Farm Brewery in Chester, which is featured in my most recent “NeuCast.” Johnson took his family’s long-standing dairy farm and gave it a fresh twist, turning it into one of Orange County’s favorite farm-to-pint spots. From serving our country to serving craft beer, his story is all about hard work, reinvention, and keeping local traditions alive in a whole new way. Long Lot is a small family business with big goals and a big heart, and I am happy to highlight this great spot!

If you are interested, I have hosted 24 episodes of “NeuCast” (a fun twist on “podcast”), featuring businesses and people all over the county. If you have not tuned in yet, you can catch them all on YouTube at YouTube.com/@OrangeCountyNewYork. You will get to meet some incredible neighbors and discover places you never knew that are right in our backyard. I truly enjoy meeting these folks who work hard and make our county such a wonderful place!

Another thing that makes our Orange County special is the National Purple Heart Museum. We recently celebrated National Purple Heart Day, which is more than just a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to honor those who have served with distinction and reflect on the sacrifices they have made. The Purple Heart was created right here in the county, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor is a must-visit. If you have never been there, take some time to explore its history and the powerful stories behind those who have received this decoration.

Staying on the topic of history, I had the privilege of attending the 158th Annual Picnic and Bull Family Reunion at the historic Stone House in Campbell Hall with my good friend and public servant, Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew. The Bull family’s story is a local legend. They are descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells, who married in Goshen in 1718. They raised 12 children and planted seeds for a family tree that is still flourishing more than 300 years later. The reunion is a beautiful reminder of how strong family ties and community traditions can be. If you are a history buff, you can learn more at BullStoneHouse.org.

Speaking of strong communities, National Night Out was a tremendous success this year. More than 13 communities across the county hosted K-9 demonstrations, emergency vehicle displays, community group exhibits, kids’ activities, and even bands and tug of wars. Neighborhoods across the county (and the country) came together to connect with each other and our first responders. Thank you to our police department, fire department, emergency medical services, and all who work tirelessly to keep Orange County safe.

As we soak up these remaining summer days, a quick reminder to be wary of mosquitoes, which can be dangerous to you and your family. Please take a few extra minutes before heading out to protect yourself. Wear repellent, drain standing water, and be mindful when you are outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn.

Of course, summer is not just about safety, it is also about fun! Mark your calendars for the New York Airshow on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 at Orange County Airport. This world-class event will feature the F-22 Raptor, P-51 Mustang, a NORAD Intercept Demo, a Cyberbeast versus Mustang race, Mark Meredith’s aerobatics, and so much more. Get more details and your tickets at Air.Show/NewYork and prepare to be wowed.

Be sure to put taking in our beautiful outdoor spaces, especially the many parks across our vast county, on your list of things to do before summer ends. Perhaps I will see you around the county soon—at a farm, a festival, a historic site, or watching jets roar overhead!