Shrewsbury celebrates fall with annual festival

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury – Perfect weather was on tap as residents and out-of-town visitors enjoyed a weekend full of activities for the 22nd annual Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Sept. 29-30.

Hundreds of businesses, nonprofits and community groups greeted festival goers Sept. 29 at the Town Expo and Craft Fair held under the giant tent in front of the Oak Middle School. Food trucks provided ample munchies and a concert featuring five local bands provided entertainment over at the nearby Sherwood Middle School field. The Shrewsbury High School First Robotics Team 467 team showcased some of their robots outside the Oak Middle School. Inside the school, a number of youngsters performed in a talent show hosted by the India Society of Worcester. Kids also enjoyed games and face painting at the Fall Family Carnival and meeting sweet little animals at a Petting Zoo. That evening, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services also served a community pasta dinner.

The next day, thousands lined the streets in the downtown area as the annual parade took place. Voyaging along the route in a restored 1940s Chris-Craft runabout as grand marshal was Angela Snell, the town’s director of parks, recreation and cemetery. Among organizations benefitting from her longtime community service are Boy and Girl Scouts, Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association, Memorial Day Parade Committee, Shrewsbury Coalition for Addiction Prevention and Education, and Special Olympics.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Seventh Company Regimental Band and Honor Guard of Buzzards Bay made a first-time appearance in Shrewsbury. Other parade participants included state and town officials, civic and school groups, local and additional visiting bands, and Scout troops.

A VIP viewing area was stationed at Town Hall for parade spectators at least age 90 and their guests. Afterward, they attended a tribute tea at the senior center with entertainment provided by Joe Cariglia singing classic tunes.

For other residents, the “Pop Up” International Food Festival at Oak Middle School was a perfect way to end the weekend.