Lian Obrey, chair of the Major Events Committee of the Groton Business Association [GBA] of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, expects Poquonnock Plains Park in Groton to be packed with visitors from near and far for GBA’s third annual Groton Fall Festival.
Obrey and co-chair James Bates have packed the event, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with festivities for the community to enjoy that will spread throughout the Poquonnock Plains Park, Sutton Park, and the Ella T. Grasso-Southeastern Technical High School parking lot.
“Last year we had a big turn-out,” Obrey said. “This year, we’re pretty much at the same number of vendors from last year [more than 100]. “Something new that we’re having this year is the firemen that are participating. It’s National Fire Safety Week at the same time [of the festival]. We have 13 stations that are participating and they’re all going to be having demonstrations about fire safety.”
In a release, GBA co-president Frank Winkler said town fire departments and rescue units will have displays, including vehicles, at the Grasso Tech site.
“The Karaoke On Demand Finals, sponsored by Comcast and Citadel’s Q105, will be starting at 11:30 a.m. on the main stage,” Winkler continued. “A concert by the band 9Teen, and their ‘Brass Kickin’ Rock and Soul’ music, will be sponsored by Groton Utilities and featured from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the main festival site [Poquonnock Park]. A Classic Car show will be held at the Grasso Tech School parking lot.”
“Citadel is also doing a contest online,” Obrey explained. “People sent pictures of their cars in, and at the car show portion of our Fall Festival, [Citadel] will be giving out the awards for just the winners.”
Winkler said judging for the car show will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. and prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m.
Other activities at the festival will include exhibits of arts and crafts, business displays, a farmers’ market, face painting, a skating contest, and a visit from the National Guard Black Hawk helicopter.
Obrey said the festival’s food court has grown, maintaining their offerings of traditional foods such as hamburgers and hotdogs but now also offering barbecue.
GBA co-president Lorraine Sanborn said it’s important to know that year’s process of buying tickets for food has ended. Visitors this year can pay for food as they go and enjoy the day of festivities.
Obrey said there will be activities for children. Whittle’s Farm will provide pumpkins for pumpkin carvings.
“It’s just going to be a wonderful day,” Obrey added. “There’s something for every age.”
In the morning, Obrey said there will also be the official dedication and grand opening for the much-anticipated all-inclusive Tercentennial Playground located at Poquonnock Park.
“It’s open, but it hasn’t been officially opened,” Obrey explained, smiling. “This is its grand opening.”
The day’s events will occur rain or shine, though Obrey and Sanborn cross their fingers for good weather. Sanborn said free public parking is available at the parking lot at Grasso and that free shuttle buses will run throughout the day to the festival sites.
They both stressed that though admission is free to the public, they would appreciate attendees to bring one donation for entry.
“A big thing that we’re looking for from people is a food donation,” Obrey said. “You don’t have to pay to come in but we’re hoping that everyone will bring in a food donation. Anyone can go to grotonbiz.com and they can find a list of items that are needed.”
Obrey said the food donations are being sent to Groton Social Services.
“[The Groton Social Services] have given us a list of things that they need most,” Obrey continued. “Their pantry is getting a little bare so we’re hoping to fill it right up.”
Obrey said the Fall Festival is a fund-raiser for GBA, but it also allows other organizations to raise funds for their community projects as well.
Sanborn added that the festival gives great exposure to other businesses.
“[Other businesses] might not generate a lot of business while they’re there, but it’s getting the word out that they’re there,” Sanborn continued. “It’s a great way to get that done.”
“This is a stay-at-home, inexpensive great weekend,” Obrey said,
referencing the festival. “There’s not too many things that you can go to that don’t have an admission [fee]…Just bring a donation.”
A complete list of participating artists, crafters, food vendors, businesses, and organizations can be found at www.grotonbiz.com, the official Groton Fall Festival 2008 and Groton Business Association (GBA) Web site.
This event is designed to promote businesses in Groton and create a greater sense of community among all Greater Groton residents. Net proceeds from the festival will be used to support GBA events and projects throughout the year.