By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor and Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Thousands of Shrewsbury residents, as well as visitors from out of town, enjoyed attending the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Town Expo, held at the Oak Middle School Sept. 23.
With the overcast skies turning hot and sunny by mid-morning, attendees enjoyed meeting with 100 exhibitors representing town, civic, educational and religious organizations and the business community.
Activities for children included photo booths, face painting, a magic show, moonwalks, Shrewsbury High School Robotics Team demonstration, exhibits from police and fire departments, a petting zoo and bubble soccer.
Inside the school, events included the kids’ talent show, community Bingo, and the Fall Family Carnival.
Running concurrently was the annual Craft Fair featuring over 75 crafters and artisans selling their unique items.
The unseasonably hot weather the next day felt more like summer as the annual parade travelled its 1.1-mile route downtown.
Grand marshal Laurie Hogan and her husband, Matt, rode in style in a 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport convertible. Among her many accomplishments, she served as campaign manager for the Shrewsbury Library Capital Campaign, which raised $1.75 million.
Over 80 parade units participated including town and state officials, and representatives of scout troops, schools, youth sports teams, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Along with a caravan of classic and vintage vehicles were several decorated floats. Named the first-place float was the Shrewsbury-based India Society of Worcester.
A special viewing area was stationed in front of the Town Hall for parade spectators over age 90 and their guests. Following the parade, they attended an Over 90 Tribute Tea at the senior center with entertainment provided by Joe Cariglia singing “The Rat Pack” classic tunes.