MAYFIELD-A “no vacancy” sign hung outside the entrance booth of the Northampton Beach Campground Sunday as families from all over the Capital Region gathered to hold Memorial Day traditions over the hot and humid weekend and unofficial start of summer.
Alexandria Iglesia has barbecued and celebrated with her family at the beach her entire life.
“We come every year, rain or shine,” Iglesia said.
She mentioned years with 50 degree weather and sitting by the fire, but said they swim in the lake no matter the temperature.
A few years ago the lake flooded the beach, she said.
“We swam right in the parking lot,” Iglesia laughed.
Faith Iglesia, her nine-year-old sister, also loves to swim. Her earliest memory of coming to camp was when she was four-years-old.
“My grandma started this tradition,” Alexandria Iglesia said. “It was one time of the year she got to see us all together no matter what.”
Although their grandmother has passed, the family continues to come every Memorial Day weekend.
Devin Duma, their 16-year-old cousin from Fultonville, was busy trying to start a fire.
“It’s always been our [family] thing.” Duma said. “As a kid, up until now, I honestly love this place.”
James Godleski from Rotterdam, Schenectady County, sat in a blue, foldable chair listening to rock music at another campsite. He came to the beach with his brother, who has brought his kids for the past five years.
Godleski said their grandparents started bringing them to Northampton when they were young children. His brother has carried on their tradition.
“[The kids] are excited every year. They love coming up here,” Godleski said.
David and Sherry Jagarnauth stood by the lake and observed the view.
The couple from Schenectady heard about the campsite from two bank tellers.
“The trees and lake are beautiful,” Sherry Jagarnauth said.
The atmosphere reminded her of Trinidad where they once lived. David Jagarnauth was excited to come relax at the beach in celebration of his birthday Tuesday.
Wanda Smart from Voorheesville, Albany County, also came with her family. This was their first weekend at Northampton Beach Campground.
“It’s been a great weekend,” Smart said. “We love it, it’s a great vacation for children.”
The Caroga Lake Campground is at full occupancy for the holiday weekend said Emily L. Kilburn from the Department of Environmental Conservation in an email.
The Broadalbin and Edinburg beaches will not be opening this year.
The town of Mayfield beach opens June 28.
