HUDSON – Over the past two and half decades, Hudson Recreation has altered its fall festival’s name, location and event finale. A common factor throughout its 24 years is that the five-hour event is always filled with family-friendly fun.
This year’s Rec Fest, which is formerly known as Pumpkin Fest, took place Oct. 15 at Riverside Park’s Guidotti Field (formerly held at Morgan Bowl). New this year, festivities culminated with an outdoor screening of the animated movie “Hotel Transylvania.” Up through 2018, the festival had concluded with fireworks.
“The cost of fireworks is now three times more than in 2018,” noted Hudson Recreation Director Steven Santos. “We’re excited to end the night with a movie.”
The savings has allowed the recreation department to welcome festivalgoers free of admission charge since 2019.
Once again this year, festivalgoers enjoyed games, crafts, giveaways and refreshments offered mostly by nonprofits. Kids played on inflatable amusements and sat behind the wheel of vehicles supplied by Hudson’s police, fire and public works departments.
Festivalgoers could cast their vote for a Meet the Scarecrows contest at the Hudson Public Library’s booth. The library provided scarecrow starter kits. Supplies and winners’ prizes were donated by the Hudson Rotary Club. Balance Rock Farm in Berlin donated hay.
Meanwhile, live musical entertainment was provided by children’s performer Mister Vic and vocalist/musician Paul Courchaine.
Event sponsors were Avidia Bank, Curious Minds Childcare, Earth & Aerial Yoga and Marlborough Lions Club.
Follow Hudson Recreation at hudsonrecreation.recdesk.com and facebook.com/HudsonRecreation.
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