HUDSON – Hundreds of locals took advantage of some sun (with the occasional shower) to pay a visit to the annual Hudson Fest on Saturday, June 10.
More than 120 vendors stretched along South Street, offering a variety of products and services.
Two music venues – one at the back of Cellucci Park, the other in the parking lot/food court – showcased local talent.
“I love doing outside stuff,” said Missy Maxfield of Mike and Missy, who performed at Hudson Fest for the second time.
Several local nonprofits offered challenges to raise some funds. For example, the Hudson Community Food Pantry conducted a “guess the weight” game with a shopping cart full of groceries; the winner received a $20 gift card.
The food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and the first Thursday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For information, call 978-562-5280, or visit www.hudsoncommunityfoodpantry.org.
A few booths down, Fresh Start Furniture Bank collected financial donations for a drive – raise enough money ($250) for a children’s bed, from frame to pillow cases.
According to Katherine Macchiarola, a member of Fresh Start’s board of directors, the furniture bank helped 612 households in 2022 and distributed 34,537 items. Fresh Start takes in gently used items in good conditions; items include furniture, kitchen items, bedding, appliances and linens.
“We not only recycle furniture, we keep it out of the landfills,” she said.
For information about Fresh Start, visit https://freshstartfurniturebank.org/wp/.
Ever wonder what river water looks like under a microscope or magnifying glass? OARS offered just that, along with information about the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers.
“I’m surprised to see so many people here,” said Izzy Luca, OARS’ education coordinator.
For information, visit https://www.oars3rivers.org/.
Near the food court, Central New England Woodturners demonstrated their skills with woodturning, and had a variety of finished products for sale.
Based in Berlin, the Woodturners welcome visitors and new members to its meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the 1870 Town Hall on Woodward Avenue.
For information, visit www.CNEW.org.
There was also information about the Hudson Armory Project provided by the Hudson Cultural Alliance. The HCA is seeking funds and volunteers to help convert the Armory into a cultural arts center.
For details, visit www.hudsonarmoryproject.org.
Just beyond South Street, at the bridge, the Hudson Rotary Club spilled 2,800 rubber ducks onto the Assabet River. The ducks – accompanied by some larger decoy ducks – made their way down the river to a pool noodle finish line near the Broad Street bridge.
Proceeds from the rubber duck race will benefit the club’s scholarship programs.
The Rotary Club’s next big event will be the “Spirit of Hudson” Brewfest on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Avidia Bank parking lot. The event will feature 30 breweries and other vendors, as well as music and food trucks.
Tickets are available at www.spiritofhudson.com.
