A flurry of Valentine's Day cheer
The East End Park in Woodstock, decorated with brilliant red hearts this weekend, offers a beautiful setting to share a walk on this special day and get some fresh air.
The pavilion, like the entire East End Park in Woodstock, Vermont, is decorated for “We love Woodstock”. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Today’s forecast: a flurry of Valentine's Day cheer, and Woodstock, Vermont, is showin' the love at its newest public park.
As I write this, the East End Park is decorated with brilliant red hearts for this Valentine's weekend. Sponsored by the Woodstock Community Trust, the weekend-long decorations give people a chance to "share their love for Woodstock, their families and that special someone by taking pictures to post on social media," the online announcement reads. People are invited to Tag @woodstockcommunitytrust on Instagram or Facebook with #welovewoodstock.
Organizer Barbara Barry, part of the Sustainable Woodstock group which created the park, said “We Love Woodstock” is an ideal event for this public space. The goal was always to make it “a community asset”, Barry said, and this event meets the need for people to enjoy the outdoors, especially these days. She’s seen people throughout the weekend taking photos there.
“We really decorated for people to get out and have some fun," Barry said.
"We Love Woodstock" is shining the light of joy this weekend. Combined with the scenic views in the park, it offers a beautiful setting to share a walk, get some fresh air and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of nature.
But that's not all the good news. As the weekend drew closer, several Vermont businesses reported an uptick in business as people began picking up Valentine's gifts — especially via online orders. Some of those orders may have gone to loved ones whom family and friends haven't seen for months, and so, they're sending some gifts from afar for this holiday, too.
Whatever the trends turn out to be, any efforts to create and share joy fill our hearts now more than ever, and add some hopeful light to the day. Events like the one in the park show we're still supporting each other, even when at a distance, and they remind us happiness is most fulfilling when it's shared. It's wonderful to see the community sharing it, and to witness how our creativity spreads the light of joy and love for all to partake.
— Gareth Henderson
One of the many hearts at East End Park this weekend, with more in the distance. (Gareth Henderson Photo)