HUDSON – The Assabet Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Annual Hudson Fest this year after a two-year hiatus.
The chamber is currently accepting vendor applications for what will be its 35th running of the event.
As COVID-19 lingers, organizers say they will be implementing precautions.
“The vision I’m working on right now is we’re giving more space to our vendors,” chamber President and CEO Sarah Cressy said in an interview with the Community Advocate last week.
Hudson Fest grows in popularity over the years
Cressy, who has helped host Hudson Fest since its inception, noted that interest has exploded over the years in terms of securing local vendors.
“When I came in, I realized there wasn’t a festival. Nothing to celebrate,” she said. “The original festival had 20 vendors on Town Hall Lawn. We have grown to about 120 vendors now.”
Cressy notes that COVID-19 has presented unique challenges, causing the cancellation of both the 2020 and 2021 festivals.
“I remember 10 years ago and we were looking at the news, we saw cases where people were wearing masks,” she said. “I never thought it was possible or plausible.”
Two years after the pandemic’s first wave crashed on the region, Cressy said she’s excited to bring back what has become a familiar event for many.
“My personal mindset is that I’m fairly comfortable running anything in person outside as the numbers show that [COVID-19] spreads like other viruses,” she said. “Winter and indoor events lead to higher spikes.”
Event set for June 18
Cressy encourages attendees to come during off hours to avoid crowds.
“Even during non-covid times there were patterns,” said Cressy. “It’s like any other festival or event – it opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. The density is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
The festival is slated to run on Saturday, June 18 rain or shine.
Interested vendors can find a vendor application by visiting https://files.constantcontact.com/2c3793d3001/b8e30dd8-844a-4652-9156-832d762d99fd.pdf.
Those interested in sponsoring aspects of this year’s Hudson Fest can get more information by visiting https://files.constantcontact.com/2c3793d3001/6b5481dc-9c50-425a-b2e8-c9206b2280ff.pdf.
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