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Date: 5/4/2022
MONSON — Fireworks will once again light up the sky as Monson Summerfest returns after a two-year break due to COVID-19.
Organizers said it was a tough decision to call off July 4th celebrations.
“It was extremely difficult but with respect to the safety of the community, it was a decision we had to make,” said Valerie Beaudoin.
Summerfest, a 41-year tradition in Monson, begins June 25 when the crowd gathers at Quarry Hill School, 43 Margaret St. Beaudoin expects up to 4,000 people to attend the festivities which include a live band, food and craft vendors, a beer garden, face painting, sand art and inflatable structures for children. Gates open at 4 p.m. and there is a $5 fee to park at Quarry Hill or the neighboring high school. Fireworks begin at dusk.
The celebration continues July 4th at 10 a.m. when a parade steps off from Main and Thompson Streets, snaking its way to Memorial Hall at the south end of Main Street. Once the parade is over festivities continue at Veteran’s Field on State Street behind the town office building. There will be food and craft vendors, a beer garden, live bands and activities for children. There is no fee for parking or admission.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen this time around with COVID[-19]. Are people going to show up, or aren’t they? We’re hoping for a good turnout,” said Beaudoin.
People come from far and wide to attend Summerfest. “The events are extremely important. They have brought family and friends together for years. People return once a year to see and catch up with each other,” said Beaudoin.
Monson Summerfest Inc. is a non-profit organization. The two-day event generates close to $50,000 — money the self-sustaining organization uses to pay for the following year’s Summerfest.
The committee works tirelessly to put on the show. It’s all worth it though, when fireworks begin thundering in the sky, said Beaudoin.
“We’re absolutely thrilled and hoping for a good turnout. The more people the happier and bigger the event will be. We’re hoping people will want to come out and spend some time with each other.”
Summerfest organizers are still looking for food and craft vendors.
There is still time to purchase space in the event’s ad book. For more information visit www.MonsonSummerFestInc.com or www.facebook.com/monsonsummerfestinc.