Groton’s Fall Festival Expected To Draw Thousands

Thousands are expected to attend Groton’s annual Fall Festival this weekend, one of the town’s largest community events.

“What’s unique about this is the exceptional amount of vendors and the wide variety of vendors, which makes it fun,” said Tricia Cunningham, president of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.

More than 126 businesses and non-profits have registered for the festival, which will be held, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., on Saturday at Poquonnock Plains Park.

Vendors with booths include local restaurants, artists, crafters and jewelers, scouting troops, the youth football league, the police department; the health district and Groton Patch.

Jerry Lokken, manager of recreation services, said the weather will also boost the crowd.

“It looks like it is going to be a 70 degrees with sunshine,” he said.

This year’s festival includes more children’s and family entertainment, such as Stretch the Clown and Steve Elci, who performs children’s songs, Cunningham said. Other activities include an arts and craft show, farmer’s market, car show, band concert and fire safety demonstrations.

Proceeds from the festival are used to cover the cost of other business association events like the Groton Lights Parade, held the first Saturday in December.

Free parking and shuttle service will be provided from Grasso Technical High School.

The Groton Business Association organized the first Groton Festival in 2006.

Schedule of Events (from the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce):

10 a.m. Choral group from Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School– signing National Anthem Welcome from the Mayors of Groton Honorable Jim Streeter, Mayor of the Town of Groton Honorable Marian Galbraith, Mayor of the City of Groton

10:30 a.m. Stretch The Clown

11 a.m. Steve Elci & Friends

12 p.m. Demonstration from Groton Parks & Recreation Karate Class

12:30 p.m. Groton Mystic Falcons Youth Cheerleading

1:30 p.m. Band Concert featuring band REWIND

2:30 p.m. Demonstration from Gabriele's Karate Kickbox Studio

3 p.m. Band Concert continues, featuring band REWIND