By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – Another Spirit of Shrewsbury is in the history books! The fall festival just marked its 24th year with stellar weather and stellar crowds. Special Olympics of Massachusetts was the beneficiary of this year’s festival.
While there were several events that preceded the festival (Lake Day at Regatta Point, Senior Prom at the Senior Center, Grand Marshal Dinner, Scarecrows on the Common and Let Your Spirit Protect,) the main events took place the weekend of Sept. 28 and 29.
Saturday began with the annual Knights of Columbus 5K Fun Run at Dean Park while over on the Town Common the Shrewsbury Historical Society held a free lecture on the Taverns of Shrewsbury from the 18th and 19th centuries, presented by its president, Erik Larson.
David Bagdon, publisher of the Community Advocate, estimated that well over 1,500 people visited the Expo and Craft Fair held at the Oak Middle School.
Under and near the big tent were dozens of booths ranging from local banks, churches, civic and nonprofit organizations and another dozen or so crafters who showcased their wares.
Firefighters from the Shrewsbury Fire Department were present to give demonstrations on Hands-Only CPR which were led by Firefighter Robert (Bobby) Ljunggren, Jr.
The Oak Middle School Community Service and Leadership committee had a booth featuring donuts and coffee while they raised funds for the school’s food pantry which serves school families in need.
D’Arcy McCarthy, special education teacher, said that the program is run in a confidential manner to help address food insecurity issues.
Ann Jones, principal, added that the donuts were donated by Honey Dew and coffee was donated by Creedon Catering, a local establishment.
Once again the Shrewsbury High School Robotics team demonstrated one of their competition robots and the Speech and Debate Club held their annual Bingo event. The India Society of Worcester also sponsored its annual Shrewsbury’s Got Talent in the school Auditorium.
There were bouncy houses and a magician, even a mini petting zoo featuring baby animals.
Back by popular demand were the food trucks and vendors that satisfied most everyone’s tastes.
A Benefit Concert was held later that afternoon with local classic rock band “Tension,” vocalist John Nichols (recent Shrewsbury’s Got Talent winner and Shrewsbury High School vocalist ,) pop singer Scott Isbell and the True North Band.
To close out the festival on Sunday the 29th was the festival parade that drew over 1,000 spectators who also had the chance to vote on the “Best Pizza in Shrewsbury” immediately following in front of Oak Middle School.
Plans are already underway for next year’s celebration which will be a milestone at 25.
