HUDSON – The weather couldn’t have been better in downtown Hudson last Saturday afternoon as the Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) held its annual ArtsFest.
The event featured 53 vendors – including everything from yoga to sculptures to crocheting to jewelry – spread around the rotary, down Main Street, across the front lawn of the Town Hall and into the Main Street Bank parking lot on the corner of Main and Manning streets.
“We’re trying to give everyone in the art community the ability to get out [and] get their things out there,” said Kelly Fossile, a Hudson native who helped coordinate the event.
“[I hope the attendees get] a sense of community,” Fossile said. “That’s what we love about Hudson. I grew up in Hudson, so I love this little town … We want to bring awareness to the downtown area, to the arts and to the little self-employed businesses.”
Fossile said the event was a “win-win for everyone.” The heightened foot traffic led to increased patronage of the various retail stores that adorn Main Street.
Patrons couldn’t help but dance as five bands and performers – ReHarmonix, L&M Rhythm Kings, Ryan Pinette, Becky and the Swingin’ Bards and The Way Out – provided hours of music at two different venues. People danced, hummed, and even hula-hooped to the beat.
There was something for everyone at ArtsFest. Adults perused the rows of unique and interesting shops and purchased 50/50 raffle tickets, while children enjoyed face painting and several other kid-focused activities. The downtown district lived up to its reputation as a foodie hotspot; many attendees traveled throughout ArtsFest with food – from boba to ice cream – from businesses along Main Street.
After ArtsFest, the BID will continue to hold events that draw people to Hudson’s downtown. The group hopes to hold concerts and farmers’ markets throughout the summer. Hudson Fest, hosted by the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, is currently scheduled for June 10.
For more information on the Hudson BID, go to discoverhudson.org.
