Street Fair Held Saturday at Memorial Field

After 34 years at the Town Common, one of Needham's biggest events of the year is trying out a new location.

The annual Street Fair, presented by the Needham Business Association (NBA), returns on Saturday morning, but this time at Memorial Field. The change is due to ongoing renovation on Town Hall, but the NBA is making sure that things will continue to be centralized with a location that sits in the shadow of the high school and across from the Public Library (patrons can take in two events in the area Sat. with the Fair and the Library's Book Sale).

Though the location is different, the Street Fair will still serve a heaping serving of food, trolley rides and activities for kids, and a chance to meet local businesses and non-profits by visiting their respective booths.

The Fair begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. Live entertainment will to the gazebo area immediately with Casey Abrams and the Mysterious Strangers, followed by Ed Morgan the Music Man at 11, Paulette's dancers at noon, Paul Bloom at 1 and Plugged In Teen Bands at 2.

As it has in year's past, Louise Condon Realty's Trolley Ride will pick up visitors at the Chapel St. bus stop, continue to Needham High School and Memorial Field, and make trips to Rosemary St. and Highland Ave. Runs will be made throughout the day between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For kids, both Ed the Wizard and Papa the Clown will be roaming the grounds and Coldwell Banker will sponsor pony rides. Additionally, a Needham ladder fire truck will be on display and Needham DPW will provide a "Touch the Trucks" area.

According to the NBA, between 2,000 and 3,000 people typically attend the event, so the Fair may also be an opportunity to catch up with a neighbor and plan a few cookouts for this summer.

A rain date is scheduled for the next day, June 6, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.