BALLSTON SPA — People visiting the Ballston Spa Public Library will be greeted with stacks of colorfully painted, whimsically decorated or suitably practical birdhouses. All of them are entries into the village’s first annual birdhouse competition.
“It’s a way to bring the community together,” said Mark Blech, the coordinator for the event. “We’ll be putting them up around town and it will be like a walking tour to see how special Ballston Spa is. We forget to explore our own village.”
Blech, a local sculptor, was looking for something to do last September when he thought up the idea and went to Mayor John Romano, who quickly endorsed it, Blech said. After approval from the Village Board for a small budget to handle printing posters and some supplies, Blech hit the streets to get more support, which he said was very forthcoming.
“We have a great community. Everybody got on board,” he said.
Banners were made and painted by local artists. Curtis Lumber provided lumber for up to 150 birdhouses that were made by BOCES and students at Ballston Spa High School for children to decorate in 4-H, the local Boys and Girls Scout troops and those who attend classes at Creative Endeavors.
“We realized kids might not have access to wood or tools,” Blech said.
The real competition, however, is for birdhouses made from scratch. No kits or commercially produced houses are allowed. Entries can be made with any found objects, even plastic, but must be sturdy because all the birdhouses will be displayed outside until November. No toxic materials, sharp metals or glass or other dangerous material can be used. They must be original works created by individuals or even a team. They must also be functional and made for birds native to the area. Cornell Collective at www.nestwatch.org can provide information.
Ballston Spa Public Library was chosen as a central drop-off location. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday. The deadline is April 14 but Blech said this could be extended to April 18. A registration form can be filled out at the time of drop-off or downloaded from www.villageofballstonspa.org. There is no fee to enter, but birdhouses will become property of the village.
There will be several chances to win in various categories that include: Best of Show; Most Artistic, Best Ballston Spa Spirit; Best Use of Strange Objects; Funniest; Best Craftsmanship. Many local restaurants and businesses, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, will provide winners with gift certificates. Stewart’s will give ice cream certificates to all the children who participate.
The Birdhouse Festival will be April 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a raindate for the following Saturday at the Iron Spring Park on Front Street. At the event, there will also be bird crafts for children, and the National Audubon Society is expected to make a presentation.
All the birdhouses will be displayed along Front Street, Milton Avenue and along the Jim Tedesco Fitness Trail that runs along the rim of the hill west of the village.
“We’re hoping for some real creativity,” Blech said. “It will be wonderful... a magical experience.”
Any questions call Blech at 518-742-6355 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
