The timely lessons of Rip Van Winkle

HAINES FALLS, New York -- The Catskill Mountains were a big inspiration for Washington Irving, the author of the legendary short story "Rip Van Winkle." Nowadays, locals celebrate an annual tradition inspired by the story.

Every autumn, the Mountain Top Historical Society opens the abandoned (and preserved) Ulster and Delaware train station for a community reading of "Rip Van Winkle." Residents, historians, enthusiasts and artists gather to hear and honor the American classic, set in the Catskills along the Hudson River.

The train station is decked out in collections of Rip Van Winkle art and artifacts showcasing different takes on the timeless tale about a man who left home and shared drinks with suspicious acquaintances on a mountain before falling asleep for 20 years.

Hunter town historian Dede Terns-Thorpe says the story is a reminder not to let time slip by.

"He missed out on the American Revolution, he missed out on his wife passing, his dog passing, his children growing up," Terns-Thorpe explains.

Hunter resident Shane Valcich is dressed as Rip himself, beard, rifle and all. He can relate to the story's titular character on a personal level.

"Rip Van Winkle never got anything done. Rip Van Winkle started projects and never finished them. I also am known to start projects and never finish them, so every year this story is motivational," Valcich said.