Gina Gardner and Tracie Owen Martinetti, organizers of Gilbertsville’s first ever Hullabaloo, begin to set up for the event. Martinetti’s vendor station will feature vintage planters with succulents, felted roses, and both tote bags and vintage flannel shirts with unique patching. (Submitted photo)

GILBERTSVILLE – April 30 and May 7 will marshal in the first ever Gilbertsville Hullabaloo, which will feature live music, activities for all ages, and shopping opportunities in the Gilbert Block. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside 5 Commercial St., sites of the former Gilbertsville Value Way and bookstore.     Twenty-two vendors, selling gourmet foods, vintage clothing, high quality crafts and more, will be set up to sell their wares.  Hullabaloo will be a cash or check only event.

Besides shopping opportunities, Hullabaloo will offer a variety of activities.  Among them will be face painting, live music, goat yoga, and tarot card readings. Five Kids Bakehouse, also on Commercial St., will remain open during Hullabaloo hours.  Normally closed on Sundays, The Olde Stone House Emporium, Badger Face Beauty Company and the Dunderburg Gallery, all on Marion Ave., will open their doors for both Hullabaloo Sundays.  A free focaccia tasting will be offered at the Gilbertsville Expressionist Movement’s Sculpture Park at 12 Commons Dr. “Mocktails” will be served at some venues.

All monies received for vendor fees will be remitted to Gilbertsville’s Village Improvement Society, which owns and maintains the Gilbert Block, a series of Tudor-style buildings on Commercial St.

Two relatively new Gilbertsville residents, Gina Gardner and Tracie Owen Martinetti, organized Hullabaloo.  Martinetti grew up in England, where she attended art school.  While she has lived in New York state for 30 years, she moved to Gilbertsville only 18 months ago.

“Gilbertsville reminds me of home. I like the charm and the artsiness of it. We hope that both Gilbertsville residents and people from all over will come and say hello to our local vendors and explore our beautiful village,” Martinetti said, adding that there are several attractive homes for sale in the vicinity that visitors may wish to take note of.

Gardner, who hails from Detroit, moved to Gilbertsville nearly two years ago.  She attended art school in New York City and currently works for Otsego Now.

“I love Gilbertsville for its quirky charm. I love being a part of a community like this. I wanted to find a way to support the Village Improvement Society and its maintenance efforts of the Gilbert Block.  I wanted to bring in business and visitors and bring out residents,” Gardner said.

“Hullabaloo is an awesome concept.  Community members are stepping up to promote Gilbertsville. People love living here and are happy to be here.  Hullabaloo will allow community members to meet each other.  They may discover they have common interests,” said Gilbertsville mayor Nate Talbot.

Questions or comments regarding Gilbertsville’s Hullabaloo may be submitted to ginagardner96@gmail.com.