Volunteers prepare a garden bed at Winnekenni Castle. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)
City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan with Christine Kwitchoff, a member of the Rocks Village Memorial Association, outside the castle. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)
When visitors attend Winnekenni Castle’s annual Fourth of July pancake breakfast next week, they’ll find it brighter and more colorful.
New shrubs and flowers and an additional garden bed greets visitors attending the breakfast between 8 and 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 4, said City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan, who serves as vice president development for Winnekenni Foundation.
“Beautiful gardens that were planted by a group of volunteers led by myself. Volunteers that just appreciate the castle and appreciate the beauty of the garden around us,” Sullivan said.
He said a dozen volunteers came on Castle Planting Day, stayed for four hours and planted every bed at the top of the hill. At a subsequent gathering, they tackled another project.
“We carved out a brand-new garden bed on the right side of the deck, right side of the castle, and now we have an even greater space of flowering beds. We also planted dozens of new shrubs and perennial-type plants. We really have a nice mix up there right now.”
Newly planted gardens on the side of the castle. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)
A local farm anonymously donates $2,500 to $3,000 worth of annual flowers every year, Sullivan said. The new shrubs were provided at a substantial discount from Nunan’s Florist & Greenhouses, Georgetown.
Sullivan explained his motivations for dedication so much time to the castle and surrounding property.
“Winnekenni Castle and Winnekenni Park is probably the most used recreational resource right now in the City of Haverhill. Volumes of people are coming every day to the park and to the castle. We’ve had a record number of events already this season,” he said.
He highlighted the annual holiday event.
“A good old-fashioned Fourth of July breakfast up at the castle complete with a coloring contest and a best decorated bike contest.”
Among the volunteers, from left to right, are Christine Kwitchoff, Kim Sao and Patrick Houlihan. First row, standing, are Charlotte Belanger, Sophia Bachman, Alexis Alestock, Cristina Bachman. Back row, John Belanger, Fred Clark, Jonathan Baron, City Councilor Tom Sullivan and Maureen Bly. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)