HUDSON – Hudson has multiple reasons to celebrate.
Its revitalized downtown won the national America’s Main Streets contest. Also, the nonprofit Hudson Cultural Alliance (HCA) is fundraising to repurpose the downtown armory into a community arts center.
Fundraising for the Hudson Armory Project took place Sept. 17 at the acclaimed downtown during the first-ever, eight-hour Celebrate Hudson festival. In addition to a 50/50 raffle, donations were collected for family-friendly activities as well as for beer, wine and cocktails with proceeds going to the Armory project.
Led by the Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), the Celebrate Hudson organizers also included representatives from the Hudson Business Association, HCA and Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Historical presentations were offered outside the armory, Liberty Park and Town Hall by Dick Gelpke of the Hudson Historical Society and Hudson architect Glenn Davis.
From the afternoon into nighttime, food trucks were parked at Avidia Bank’s South Street lot with free musical entertainment and cornhole games.
Hubs of the afternoon activities were outside Town Hall, Cellucci Park and parking lots of Main Street Bank and Avidia Financial Center on Church Street.
Musical acts entertained throughout downtown. Artisans displayed their creations for sale outside the Argeo R. Cellucci Jr. Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metrowest. Other vendors and nonprofits were stationed outside Town Hall.
Attendees of all ages good-naturedly competed in crazy hat and best beard contests. Meanwhile, a scavenger hunt for kids up to age 12 began and ended at Main Street Bank. Winners of each contest got gift cards for New City Microcreamery.
State Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) drew the 50/50 raffle’s winning ticket. She announced Rylie Bossart as the winner.
Celebrate Hudson culminated with a free concert performed by iconic blues guitarist Ronnie Earl along with the L&M Rhythm Kings.
Follow the BID at discoverhudson.org and facebook.com/DiscoverHudson, and the Hudson Armory Project at hudsonarmoryproject.org and facebook.com/ArmoryArtsCenter.
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