Spirit Of Shrewsbury 2018: Your Event Guide

SHREWSBURY, MA—Shrewsbury residents old and new, neighboring townsfolk and more look forward to this one. It's the local town festival of the year.

The 2018 Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival runs from Sept. 24-30, and has a plethora of events, contests, displays, vendors, food and activities.

Here's a rundown of this year's lineup:

14TH ANNUAL SCARECROWS ON THE COMMON DISPLAY – Sept. 24 to Oct. 19:

Individuals, groups, businesses and clubs are encouraged to display their scarecrows for all to enjoy. All registered entries will receive special recognition.

Sponsored by the Shrewsbury Garden Club; to register, go here.

ANIMAL ADVENTURES - WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.:

See the largest, most exotic and most impressive animals that Animal Adventures has to offer. A fun and unique learning experience to be enjoyed by all.

Shrewsbury Public Library, 609 Main Street, Shrewsbury, Free.

LET YOUR SPIRIT SACRIFICE- THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 7–10 p.m.:

A community fundraiser to benefit the Shrewsbury Fire and Police Association, a local association established in the 1940’s as a way for the fire and police departments to help their fellow colleagues’ families with expenses related to funerals and memorials, Ski Ward, 1000 Main Street, Shrewsbury. $50 per person; $75 per couple

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please make checks payable to Shrewsbury Fire and Police Relief Association and mail to Rep. Hannah Kane, P.O. Box 595, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

HOSTS: State Rep. Hannah Kane, Selectman Beth Casavant, SYFS Board Vice-President Melissa Pride-Fahs, David Faucher, Chris Abbascia, Chad Chysna – members of Shrewsbury Patrolman’s Union, Aaron Roy, Sean Lawlor, Roy Ahern – members of Shrewsbury Firefighter’s Association.

Saturday, Sept. 29

FREE VISION AND HEALTH SCREENING - 9 a.m. to noon

For Shrewsbury adults, caregivers and potential caregivers…, FREE vision and hearing screening, Blood pressure, weight, pulse, oxygen, blood sugars and cholesterol levels checked

Reading glasses and medication disposal pouches will be available. Bingo games, a raffle, and silent auction, Shrewsbury Senior Center, organized by the Shrewsbury Lions Club, and Friends of the Senior Center.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF THE TOWN COMMON – 10–11 a.m.:

Experience Shrewsbury’s past, FREE walking tour of the Town Common guided by Erik Larson, President of the Shrewsbury Historical Society. OPEN TO FIRST 30 ATTENDEES. In case of rain: There will be a guided tour of the Shrewsbury Historical Society Museum, including a power point presentation, 1830 Brick Schoolhouse (In between the Fire Dept. and the First Congregational Church)

SHREWSBURY TOWN COMMON MARKER RE-DEDICATION - 10–10:30 am:

The re-dedication of an original Shrewsbury Town Common marker that was buried on the corner of the Sumner House property and recently excavated and installed upright on the Town Common., Shrewsbury Town Common, organized by the Shrewsbury Historic District Commission

SHREWSBURY YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES OPEN HOUSE - 2–4 p.m.:

Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services, Inc. has a new home. Stop by and see their beautiful new facilities, 222 Maple Avenue - Higgins Building, Shrewsbury,

FRONT OF OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL

ANNUAL SPIRIT OF SHREWSBURY TOWN EXPO -10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

Over 100 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the Town Expo is truly a celebration of town, civic, educational, religious organizations and its business community, organized by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee.

ANNUAL SPIRIT OF SHREWSBURY CRAFT FAIR - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Approximately 30 craft vendors from all over Massachusetts will be showcasing their one-of-a-kind items. This is a great opportunity to beat the holiday rush and find unique, personal gifts for those special people in your life,.

LIVE FROM THE OAK STREET EXPO - 10 a.m. to noon

Shrewsbury Media Connection will broadcast live with interviews from various vendors and community groups participating in the Town Expo.

INTERACTIVE DEMONSTRATION - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shrewsbury High School Robotics Team, FIRST Robotics Team 467 will operate student built robots. Team members will explain how they are designed and how they work with hands on demonstration, demonstration under the awning of Oak Middle School.

THE SIDE OF OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL

FEAST OF NATIONS FOOD TRUCKS & TABLES - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come one, come all to the feast of nations, enjoying foods from AMERICA, INDIA, TASTE OF BRAZIL (ALMA,) PUERTO RICO; and include PAPA GINO'S PIZZA, CHIC-FIL-A, ICE CREAM (OF COURSE,) AND SAY CHEESE. These foods will tantalize your taste buds with flavors from all over the world, while enjoying the Festival. Organized by Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee.

ANIMAL AFFAIR - noon to 4 p.m.

Come to the Petting Zoo and interact with adorable goats, pigs, chickens and ducks, All ages,.

SHREWSBURY YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES FUNDRAISER - 4–7 p.m.:

Support Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services, Inc. (SYFS) as they host their first Community Pasta Dinner. Open to all supporters, families and neighbors. Dinner includes homemade pasta, meatballs, salad, dessert and beverages (non-alcoholic.)

Food Court Tent (located behind Oak Middle School,) Rain Location: Oak Middle School Cafeteria.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

$10 per person, Free for ages 5 and under, if purchased in advance by Sept. 15

Day of event tickets; $15 per person; ages 5 and under Free

Tickets may be purchased in the SYFS office, located at 222 Maple Avenue - Higgins Building, Shrewsbury

INSIDE OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL:

FALL FAMILY CARNIVAL IN THE GYM - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Games and activities for the entire family, organized by the Shrewsbury High School FIRST Robotics Team 467, The Colonials: Proceeds will benefit STEM initiatives in Shrewsbury Public Schools. Tickets are $1.00; 6 tickets sold for $5.00; 12 tickets for $10.00

KIDS GOT TALENT IN THE AUDITORIUM - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

Talent Show competition organized by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee & India Society of Worcester for children to showcase their talent in singing, dancing, acting, juggling, magic, martial arts, playing an instrument, standup comedy, impressions, etc.

Age groups include:

Little Stars (2-3 years)

Elementary (4-8 years)

Tweens (9-12 years)

Teens (13-17 years)

NOTE: Solo performers only, no duos or groups. One entry per child. Maximum performance time is 3 minutes. Top three performers in each age group will be awarded a prize.

Performers must pre-register no later than September 22: HYPERLINK "http://iswonline.org" http://iswonline.org.

ON THE STAGE BEHIND SHERWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL:

FIRST ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT- Noon to 7 p.m.

Presented by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee. Beneficiaries are St. Anne’s Human Services, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and the Worcester County Foodbank.

Grab your family and your friends, bring a chair or a blanket, and come on over to

Sherwood Middle School for a multi-band concert, featuring bands with a local connection.

12:00 Noon - Opening Ceremony, 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. – WHITNEY DOUCET and MOONSHINE BAND, 1:15 - 2 p.m. – DARK HORSE, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.– NEMES, 3:45-4:45 p.m. - THE PEOPLE'S PARTY and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. - PINK TALKING FISH - A Fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish.

Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Worcester County Food Bank.

Sunday, Sept. 30

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP (10 am) & BRUNCH (11:45 am):

Three local churches will be hosting an outdoor ecumenical worship and community potluck brunch (provided by church members), immediately following services. Come for worship, a meal, meet new neighbors and share in thanksgiving. All are welcome! Dean Park, North Pavilion, rain or shine. Contact office_mtolivet@townisp.com. or phone 508-842-2731; organized by Shrewsbury’s Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Wellspring United Methodist

Church and Trinity Episcopal Church

SHREWSBURY TOWN CENTER ASSOCIATION (STCA) – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

Coffee and Donut meet and greet on the Town Common for this newly formed organization to introduce themselves to the community. Refreshments compliments of George Cadette, owner of Dunkin Donuts in the town center.

PARADE VIEWING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS OVER THE AGE OF 90 – 12:30 pm:

Seniors over the age of 90 will be treated to VIP seating under the tent in front of the Town Hall (chairs will be provided) organized by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall festival Committee.

PARADE - 1 p.m.; RAIN OR SHINE:

Bring your chair and join your friends and neighbors, Beal School to Oak Middle School, 45 Oak Street, organized by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee

SENIOR TRIBUTE TEA - Immediately following the parade:

The Senior Tribute Tea is a much loved and important part of the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival. It is with honor to celebrate Shrewsbury’s vibrant and exceptional treasures in our community. Special awards will be given to pillars of our community who are 90 plus. Refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided by Joe Cariglia, singing your favorite songs. Event takes place at the Senior Center.

RSVP: Council on Aging – Senior Center, 508-841-8640, by Friday, September 22.

Organized by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee (TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED IF NEEDED)

"POP UP" INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL - Following the Parade, 2–5 p.m.:

An exciting culinary event showcasing local restaurants featuring delicious food, samples, and flavors from around the globe, under the big tent at Oak Middle School. Organized by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Committee.

Photos submitted, Spirit of Shrewsbury committee