An Explosion of Neighborhood Events: Spirit of Shrewsbury This Weekend

You bring the spirit. The events are taken care of, and they are plentiful this year.

While the threat of EEE may have canceled the scarecrow contest and the Jack-o-Lantern display, and the algae level in the dancing fountain won't let it dance, there is plenty to do at the Spirit of Shrewsbury Festival, taking over the town from Friday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Sept. 30.

The Italian American Victory Club (IAVC) hosts a Hometown Gathering on Friday at 7 p.m., which features complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, music and dancing.

Saturday starts off bright and early with a pancake breakfast that segues into a fishing derby, with prizes donated by Dick's Sporting Goods. This takes place at the Shrewsbury Sportsmen's Club, with the flapjacks flipping at 7 a.m. and the fish jumping at 8 a.m.

Also Saturday, for the 16th year, the Knights of Columbus hosts the 5K Race and Fun Walk, with proceeds benefiting the Shrewsbury Special Needs Program and Scholarship Fund. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 75 crafters and artisans sell their items at the Oak Street Middle School. 

And of course the heart of the festival is the Oak Street Expo on Saturday afternoon.

With over 100 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the Oak Street Expo is a celebration of Shrewsbury's town, civic, educational, and religious organizations and its business community. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oak Street School, organizations and businesses set up tables and talk to the community. 

Also on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Shrewsbury Historical Society hosts and open house, as well as a 30-minute presentation on the "Stagecoach and Tavern Days." And from 1-4 p.m., you can also visit the Artemas Ward Barn, a historic barn with re-enactors from the 64th Light Infantry Company demonstrating 18th century camp life. Local favorites Chuck and Mud perform a family concert, too, in the tent out back. 

Nab a good spot with your chair by 1 p.m. on Sunday when the parade winds from the Beal School to the Oak Middle School. Following the parade, honor this year's Grand Marshall, and pay tribute to Shrewsbury residents who are older than 90.

For more extensive information on the Spirit of Shrewsbury schedule and features, be sure to visit the webpage.