SHREWSBURY – Residents gathered at SAC Park to enjoy a day filled with food trucks, vendors and live music at the Shrewsbury Summer Festival on Aug. 9.
The event was organized by Andrea Castinetti, who was motivated to hold the event due to the isolation the community faced during the pandemic.
“When COVID was winding down, I figured the community could use an event that was outdoors, so it is safer for people. I thought it was a fun way to bring the community back together and to showcase some local businesses,” she said.
Castinetti added, “People were shut in for two years, so it’s nice for people to be face to face and integrate back into society.”
This was the second year the festival has been held. Proceeds went to the recently-opened Shrewsbury Community Fridge.
Attendee Derick Larson said he decided to attend the festival because he heard it was a fun way to beat the heat.
“I heard it was a summer festival, so I thought I’d check it out. I’m a music person and I heard there was a band,” he said.
TENSION, a classic rock band, took the stage during the festival.
Vendors filled the park, selling everything from homemade tumblers and glasses to jewelry to dog collars.
Amy Loughlin was selling her handmade goat milk soap and other self-care products including lip balm and lotion.
Loughlin said she believes the event is important because it brought the community together.
“There’s so many different vendors,” she said. “It [the event] brings all of the vendors together too. We can talk to each other and help each other out.”
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