WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's biggest community celebration is back, and it will take place this weekend.
Even better, admission is free for all.
'Celebrate! West Hartford' will return to the West Hartford Town Hall grounds on South Main Street on June 6 and 7, bringing two days of live entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival rides, food vendors, and community activities to the town center.
The annual festival, sponsored by PeoplesBank, is expected to attract nearly 40,000 visitors, according to town officials.
Since its founding in 1987, Celebrate! West Hartford has grown into one of the region's largest community festivals.
The event features an award-winning arts and crafts show, carnival rides and games, live music performances, an international food court and a business and nonprofit expo.
Admission to the festival is free, and many activities are offered at no cost.
The weekend will also include the Celebrate! West Hartford FUNd RUNS on Sunday morning.
Events include a certified 5K road race and a half-mile Kids' K dash.
Race-day registration and check-in will be available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot. The Kids' K begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.
Festival proceeds support local causes, including The Town That Cares Fund and the Leisure Services Scholarship Fund, which assists West Hartford residents in need.
The Isham Garage will offer free parking on both festival days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking will also be available at the West Hartford Town Center Office Building Garage, 29 S. Main St., for a $5 event fee.
Motorists should be aware of several parking restrictions and road closures during the event.
No parking will be permitted on the west side of South Main Street between 29 South Main St. and 55 South Main St.
Burr Street will be closed except for local traffic and authorized vehicles.
Additional road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect Sunday along the 5K race route, including portions of South Main Street, North Main Street, Craigmoor Road, Trout Brook Drive and sections of the Trout Brook Trail.
The festival has previously earned Hartford Magazine's Readers' Choice award for Best Festival and has been recognized by Sunshine Artist magazine as one of the Top 200 Best Craft Shows in the nation.
To view the 'Celebrate! West Hartford' schedule/program, click on this link.
To view the arts and craft vendor lineup at the festival, click on this link.
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