On Sept. 30, Hamilton students headed into the center of Clinton Village for the annual Fall Fest. Mingling with Clinton locals, shop owners, neighborhood dogs and out-of-town visitors, students took a break from their daily routines on the Hill to enjoy the company of the broader Clinton community on a sunny day. The event, which ran from noon to 4:00 p.m., was organized by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Cider Mill along with Hamilton College Student Activities.
Students were able to hop on the Jitney that left frequently from the Sadove Loop. In the heart of downtown Clinton, students, locals and visitors to the area participated in a range of activities together, including face painting, pumpkin painting, lawn games and hair tinsel. The Clinton Cider Mill’s delicious treats brought joy to the festivities.
The annual “Off the Hill Challenge,” sponsored by Hamilton College, The Clinton Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Clinton Merchants, was a favorite of students and merchants alike. Students were given a map with 16 local businesses. The first 150 participants who successfully visited each location received a free t-shirt.
The “Off the Hill Challenge” allowed students to visit local destinations, interact with store owners and gain a better appreciation for their college surroundings, especially for first-year students who might be less familiar with the Clinton area. Likewise, shop owners were able to exhibit their local businesses to attract and interest Hamilton students. What’s more, students came back from the scavenger hunt with an assortment of free goods from the shops: chocolate, stickers, pens, a free slice of pizza, complimentary tickets to Kirkland Art Center, charmingly decorated cards from Artisans’ corner and one dollar off the price of gelato from The Cremeria.
“We like to engage with students, asking them about their majors and where they’re from because they’re from all over the world and in the country, and sometimes they’re right from upstate New York. They’re very diverse, and we have a very diverse shop: everything from beautiful jewelry to vinyl rock’n’roll, and everybody seems to find something that interests them,” commented the husband of Dawn Perta, who owns of Dawn Marie’s Treasures. Rachel Bartunek, owner of Almost Local, added, “we’re not that far and I think it’s important for you guys to know us as well. It’s always nice to have different perspectives because I’m not from the area either.”
A collection of local shops, restaurants and other town attractions are located around the village green. Across the street, Utica Coffee brings caffeinated delight both to locals on their way to work as well as to Hamilton students on their way to begin a productive day of study. Almost Local provides a homey and welcoming environment for anyone who steps foot into the store. Their cozy sweaters, stylish mugs and dainty jewelry appeal to the fall spirit of Hamilton students and Clinton residents. The Cremeria, located on College St, is a quintessential neighborhood spot for a taste of fresh, homemade gelato. Lastly, the Clinton Historical Society offers students a deeper understanding of the history of Clinton and the town of Kirkland.
Fall Fest activities also included a performance from one of Hamilton’s acapella groups, Tumbling After. The performance gave local residents a feel for Hamilton’s community and culture. Thomas Adams, a Clinton resident, explained that the relationship between Hamilton students and locals is one of “mutual admiration.” Fall Fest and the “Off the Hill Challenge” gave students and residents a greater appreciation for their community that they live in together.
“We just like [students] to see what we have to offer. If you ever need anything then we’re here for you. We’re happy anytime that we see a college student in town,” commented Linda McHarris, owner of Artisans’ Corner.
