Wilton Main Street Association President Alison Meltzer summed up SummerFest in one sentence – “That expression it takes a village, this is a perfect illustration of that.”
The Wilton Main Street Association hosted the eighth annual SummerFest celebration Saturday after two years of COVID-19 complications. The all-day event attracted more than 40 local food vendors, artisans and musicians to showcase their work to the community.
Food vendor Puckerbush from Littleton was one of the newest additions to SummerFest, selling specialty jams, jellies and spices. Owner Linda Gilmore said this SummerFest was her first time in Wilton, but she will be back for more.
“It’s kind of amazing what’s in your backyard, and that’s why we like it here,” said Gilmore.
Hundreds of community members, children and performers showed up for the event, taking over Main Street from top to bottom.
The Red Trouser Show, known for its acrobatics, drew a large crowd to showcase their street performances. Jugglers from the Flying Gravity Circus in Wilton also showed their skills.
Local musicians, including Peterborough rock band Tumbletoads, performed. Lead singer and guitar player Nate Bosworth said SummerFest was a success for his new band.
“I love this. I had a good time,” said Bosworth. “We like doing these kinds of events. I think it’s really good for the kids.”
Last year, the Main Street Association hosted a smaller version of SummerFest with only one performer and fewer than 40 vendors. This year’s event included an arts market, six performances and even a fireworks show on Carnival Hill to close off the night. However, the Lions Club Duck Drop was called off due to the fire truck being called to the Kennebec Lumber fire in Greenfield.
“I think everybody is happy to be back,” said Meltzer. “We’ve had a pretty good crowd, but the number of people here may be down a little bit from past years.”