By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Shrewsbury – During the month of September, a number of events will be happening throughout Shrewsbury as part of the annual Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival. This year’s festival, the 20th in its history, will feature many of the time-honored favorites as well as some new events, culminating with final celebrations the weekend of Saturday, Sept 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25.
The Festival Committee is still seeking participants for the many events, as well as volunteers to help make this beloved tradition a success once again.
To see a list of volunteer opportunities, visit www.spiritofshrewsbury.org/getinvolved.html or contact Vishakha Khamankar at [email protected], 508-925-5545 (home) or 508-309-2274 (cell).
Details on events leading up to the main weekend will be publicized in future articles of the Community Advocate. Here are details on some of the events happening the weekend of Sept. 24-25.
On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 24, the annual All for Kids: Pancake Breakfast and Fishing Derby will be held at the Shrewsbury Sportsman Club, 304 Boylston St. Children ages 15 and under are invited to come for breakfast then try their luck at fishing.
The 20th annual 5k Road Race and Funwalk, sponsored by the Adelphi Council #4181, Knights of Columbus, will be held at Dean Park. Proceeds go to the Shrewsbury Special Needs Program & Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Race Director Chris Rutigliano at [email protected]. Forms can be accessed at www.spiritofshrewsbury.org, click on events and then scroll down.
The Town Expo, to be held at the Oak Middle School, 45 Oak St., will feature over 100 exhibitors representing town, civic, educational and religious organizations and the business community.
Entertainment will include face painting, music, moonwalks, games and demonstrations by the Gymnastics Learning Center.
The expo will also feature many food vendors where under the dining tent; people may enjoy a wide variety of food such as ethnic dishes, clam chowder, hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, chili, beef teriyaki, chicken kabobs, sausage sandwiches and more.
Running concurrently is the annual Craft Fair featuring over 75 crafters and artisans selling their unique items.
A Family Fall Carnival will be hosted by the Shrewsbury High School Robotics Team in the Oak Middle School gym to benefit the Parker Road Preschool Garden Fund. The robotics team will also be demonstrating their skills in the school’s parking lot.
There will also be a Kids Got Talent show sponsored by the India Society of Worcester. Visit www.iswonline.org for more information.
Later that evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., fireworks will be lit from the Glavin Center. The fireworks are organized by Maria Lemieux CPA, Lakeway Business District and the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee. The rain date is Sept. 25.
Other Saturday events include: a walking tour of Shrewsbury Town Common, the dedication of the Franklin Mile Marker #43, an open house at the General Artemas Ward Barn, Community Bingo, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Van.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church will start off the day with a fellowship table community brunch and worship service at Dean Park at 10 a.m.
The Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair will be held at the Oak Middle School at 1 p.m. and then again after the parade.
One of the highlights each year is the annual parade which will be held Sept. 25 starting at 12:30 p.m. This year’s parade, led by Grand Marshal Martha Gach, will have over 80 participating civic groups, musical groups and others. The deadline to participate in the parade has been extended to Thursday, Sept. 1.
After the parade, the town’s residents who are age 90 and over will be feted at a Tribute Tea held at the Senior Center.
The final event of the weekend will be a showcase featuring the Regatta Players of Shrewsbury. The show will feature live performances of Broadway selections, featuring favorites such as “Baby,” “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Breaking Up is Hard To Do,” and more. The show will start at 7 p.m. at the Southgate Theater, 30 Julio Drive.
For up to date information on all of the events listed in this article as well as additional ones, visit www.spiritofshrewsbury.org.