HUDSON – Hundreds of community members gathered at Guidotti Field on Oct. 14 for the Hudson Recreation Department’s Rec Fest.
The event, which the Hudson Recreation Department described as the town’s annual fall festival, featured roughly 20 community groups and organizations eager to connect with the community. Vendors gave away goodies, sold products and food, and distributed information.
“We want to bring local nonprofit organizations out to gain exposure, connect with people in the community who might not know who they are. It’s an opportunity for people in the community to ask questions,” said Hudson Director of Recreation Steven Santos, who has been involved in the department for the last 18 years. “The focus has always been the nonprofits.”
The festival featured concessions sold by Hudson High School athletes, kite-flying demonstrations, bounce houses and face painting. The event had live music and guest appearances by the Hudson Police Working Dog Foundation’s two canines, Murf and Jocko. The organizations lined up on the edge of the outfield grass, allowing for an intimate atmosphere while still allowing sufficient room for fun and games on Guidotti Field.
The festival takes months to plan. Santos said that Assistant Director of Recreation Daniel Hannon was “essential” for the event planning.
“We’re talking about it nine, ten months in advance. We start diving into it about four to six months prior to the event… The fine details pertaining to the event get ironed out four to eight weeks prior to the event. The five days leading up to it, we’re running around,” Santos said.
After three straight rainy Saturday afternoons, Hudson couldn’t have asked for better weather for the festival.
“It’s an opportunity before we dive into the deep, dark winter months for the community to come together. It gives people an opportunity to step away, connect with their friends and family here, and we have a beautiful day for it,” said Santos.
