By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Shrewsbury – It’s almost time for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival. This year’s festival, the 18th in its history, will feature many of the time-honored favorites as well as some new events, according to Sue Falzoi, who is overseeing it with her husband, Tom.
Most of the main events take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, although others held earlier in the month were incorporated into the festival this year. Four car shows held at the Hebert Candy mansion were part of the Cruzzin’ Dreams series. The annual Parade of Boats, held on Lake Quinsigamond Sept. 5, was another event. And another boat show, the Lake Quinsigamond Classic Boat Show, was held Sept. 12.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, Mackenzie Melemed, one of New England’s most talented young pianists, will be performing a concert at the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road.
The Shrewsbury Garden Club will kick off its 11th annual Scarecrows on the Town Common display Monday, Sept. 21. Visit http://maclubs.esiteasp.com/shrewsburygardenclub/home.nxg for entry instructions.
Many of the restaurants located in the section of Route 9 known as the Lakeway will be offering special meals and deals from Thursday, Sept. 24, to Sunday, Sept. 27. Visit http://thelakeway.org for more details.
Also on Sept. 24, a special benefit for the Shrewsbury Public Library capital campaign, “Let Your Spirit Build,” will be held at Ski Ward, 1000 Main St. The event will be hosted by State Rep. Hannah Kane, Matt Beaton, a former state representative who is now the state’s secretary of energy and environmental affairs, Beth Casavant and John Masiello. The entertainment will be DJ Fire Chief Jim Vuona. Refreshments will be by Struck Catering and there will be a cash bar.
On Saturday morning, Sept. 26 the annual All for Kids: Pancake Breakfast and Fishing Derby will be held at the Shrewsbury Sportsman Club. Children ages 15 and under are invited to come for breakfast then try their luck at fishing.
The 19th annual 5k Road Race and Funwalk, sponsored by the Adelphi Council #4181, Knights of Columbus, will be held at Dean Park. Proceeds go to the Shrewsbury Special Needs Program & Scholarship Fund.
Oak Middle School, 45 Oak St., will be bustling with energy as it hosts a number of events throughout Saturday, Sept. 26. One of the highlights will be the Town Expo which this year will feature over 100 exhibitors representing town, civic, educational, and religious organizations and the business community.
The expo will also feature many food vendors where under the dining tent, people may enjoy a wide variety of food such as ethnic dishes, clam chowder, hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, chili, beef teriyaki, chicken kabobs, sausage sandwiches and more.
Running concurrently is the annual Craft Fair featuring over 75 crafters and artisans selling their unique items.
New this year is a “Cool Carnival” for kids to try their hand at a variety of fun games including disc drop games, bean bag toss and more.
There will also be a Kids Got Talent show sponsored by the India Society of Worcester. Visit www.iswonline.org for more information.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Mount Oliver Lutheran Church will start off the day with a “Fellowship Table” community brunch and worship service at Dean Park at 10 a.m.
Veterans Inc., 59 South St., will be hosting a Freedom Song Festival from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Later that day, the streets of Shrewsbury will come alive when the annual parade kicks off at 1 p.m. This year’s parade, led by Grand Marshal Mahesh Reshamwala, will have over 80 participating groups, according to Falzoi. Some of the featured musical groups will include the St. John’s Jazz Band, the Shrewsbury High School Marching Band and vocalists from the Patrice Petris Studio.
Falzoi is organizing a fleet of old cars to chauffeur some of the parade participants who are unable to walk the route.
“If anyone would like to help us out with that, we would love it,” she said. “We especially would like to get some more convertibles.”
A new addition to the parade this year, Falzoi said, is the Worcester Sound & Light’s band organ. The organ consists of bells/glockenspiel, drums and wooden pipes that are voiced differently. It is equivalent to a 70-piece marching band and is often found in carousels and museums.
“We wanted to have the time-honored traditions but also have a few new participants to keep [the parade] fresh,” she said.
After the parade, the town’s residents who are age 90 and over will be feted at a “tribute tea” held at the Senior Center. Residents of all ages are invited to attend a “post parade social” that will be held at the Oak Middle School from 1-3:30 p.m.
Residents are also invited to purchase a bit of past festivals by purchasing a tote bag or wood carrier made from recycled SOS telephone pole banners. Green tote bags are $25, large blue beach bags are $30 and wood carriers are $25. Supplies are limited – contact Falzoi at 508-845-6977 or [email protected] to order one.
Volunteers are still needed for all of the events. Contact Shilpa Deochakke at 978-937-9522 or [email protected] for more information.
For up to date information on all of the events listed in this article as well as additional ones, visit http://www.spiritofshrewsbury.org.