Catch the Spirit ... of Shrewsbury

Photo: Spirit of Shrewsbury Facebook page

The Spirit of Shrewsbury is poised again to take over downtown Shrewsbury on Thursday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 28.

As submitted by the Spirit of Shrewsbury Committee, the following is a listing of all activities and events of this year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival. 

Thursday, Sept. 25:

Let Your Spirit SOAR Fundraiser; What: Fundraiser to help Shrewsbury families who struggle to pay for oil. Sponsored by Shrewsbury Oil Assistance Relief; Hosted by John Masiello, Rep. Matt Beaton, Beth Casavant, and Hannah Kane. DJ Fire Chief Jim Vuona, cash bar, refreshments by Struck Catering. Where: Ski Ward, 1000 Main Street; When: Thursday, September 25, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26:

Shrewsbury Crossing Gallery Opening Artist Reception for the exhibit “Painting the town” - What: View Shrewsbury focused artwork wine and cheese. Where: Shrewsbury Crossing Gallery, 311 Main Street, When: Friday, Sept. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. The gallery will be open to the public daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Dec. 1st.

A Fantastic Evening of Ballroom Dancing - What: Some fans say that “Rhythm” sounds like the Manhattan Transfer. Come see and hear for yourself for a walk down memory lane as you enjoy an evening of fantastic music for dancing. Where: Frohsinn Club, 25 N. Quinsigamond Ave.
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7:30-11p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27:

All for Kids: Pancake Breakfast and Fishing Derby - What/Where: Shrewsbury Sportsmen’s Club, 304 Boylston St., Rt. 140 North. When: Saturday, September 27. Pancake Breakfast: 7-8am; Fishing Derby: 8-10am.

18th Annual 5k Road Race and Funwalk - What: Knights of Columbus 5K Road Race and Fun Walk sponsored by the Adelphi Council #4181, Benefits the Shrewsbury Special Needs Program & Scholarship Fund. Adults: $15. Under 18 and walkers: $10. Entry Fee Race Day: Adults: $20. Under 18 and walkers: $15. Where: Dean Park, When: Saturday, September 27, 10am, Registration starts at 9am.

Craft Fair – Sponsored by the Spirit of Shrewsbury - What: Up to 75 crafters and artisans sell their unique items. Where: Oak Middle School, 45 Oak Street
When: September 27, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Town Expo – Sponsored by the Spirit of Shrewsbury - What: Over 100 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the Town Expo is a celebration of Shrewsbury’s town, civic, educational, and religious organizations and its business community. Where: Oak Middle School lawn, 45 Oak Street, When: Saturday, September 27, 10am-4pm.

Kids Got Talent - What: The India Society of Worcester and Spirit of Shrewsbury bring back the “Kids Got Talent” show, a competition for children to showcase their talent in singing, dancing, acting, show martial arts, playing an instrument, standup comedy, or doing impressions. Four age groups include: 4-8 years, 9-12 years and 13-17 years. First 20 entries get a chance to compete in each age group. The top three performers in each age group will be awarded a trophy. The competition is open to everyone. Shrewsbury. Where: Oak Middle School Auditorium, 45 Oak Street, When: Saturday, September 27, 10am-4pm.

Shrewsbury Historical Society Open House- What: Shrewsbury Historical Society presents an open house featuring a 30 minute encore PowerPoint presentation, “Center of Attention: A Photographic Look at Historic Shrewsbury Center” by Erik Larson. Free and open to the public. Contact Erik at 1-774-230-5826. Where: Shrewsbury Historical Society, Church Road, When: Saturday, September 27, 10am-12pm. Presentation at 10am and 11am.

Car Show - What: Hot rods, classic vintage cars, and motorcycles on display. Where: Italian American Victory Club, 26 Dewey Road, When: Saturday, September 27, 12-5pm.

Freedom Song Festival - What: Veterans Inc. presents the Freedom Song Festival, free admission, family-friendly event including food, children’s activities, the Brian Maes Band and some of the best bands in New England, a photo booth, a 50/50 raffle, and opportunities for festivalgoers to celebrate and contribute to the care of our veterans. Where: Veterans Inc., 59 South Street, When: Saturday, September 27, 2-7pm. Contact: 800.482.2565 x123 or freedomsong@veteransinc.org.

Sunday, Sept. 28:

Breakfast in the Lakeway - What/where: Lakeway Business District Association Sponsored Breakfast featuring participating restaurants in the Lakeway Business District takes place along the Lakeway on route 9. Visit local restaurants for breakfast. Stop by the Lakeway District booth at the Town Expo on Saturday to get your coupons.

Spirit of Shrewsbury Annual Parade - What: Bring your chair and join your friends. Where: Beal School to Oak Middle School, 45 Oak Street, When: Sunday, September 28, 1 pm.

Over 90 Tribute Tea sponsored by the Spirit of Shrewsbury - What: Special recognition of 90 year and older citizens including refreshments, certificates, and speakers. Senior citizens over the age of 90 will have special seating to view the parade in front of the Town Hall. Where: Shrewsbury Senior Center, When: Sunday, September 28 following the parade.

Ongoing Activities:

Dancing Fountains - What: Music on 91.7 FM. Bring your portable radio or listen from your car. View the
Where: Dean Park Pond, Main Street, When: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Starts hourly: noon, 1pm, and 4pm-9pm, colored lights at dusk and later. 

Scarecrow on the Common Contest and Display; - What: Sponsored by the Shrewsbury Garden Club, the event welcomes Shrewsbury residents and businesses to create a scarecrow to be displayed on the Town Common. There will be no judging but all entries will receive special recognition. Where: Shrewsbury Common; When, Starts Friday, September 26

SPECIAL NOTES OF INTEREST:

Additional FREE parking is available at the Hoagland Pincus Conference Center (222 Maple Ave.) To get to the Craft Fair, Town Expo, and Kids Got Talent, handicapped-accessible shuttle vans will be available from the Conference Center to Oak Middle School on Saturday from 7:30 am to 5 pm. All exhibitors and vendors are urged to park at the Conference Center after unloading, and take the shuttle van to Oak Middle School, to allow more parking at the school for attendees. Handicap parking is available near the entrance to the school.

Program books: Available throughout the town at businesses and the Town Hall.

For greater detail on each event and to access downloadable applications and flyers, please visit www.spiritofshrewsbury.org. Please see town map which is attached to this release. As always, volunteers are greatly appreciated. Catch the Spirit and get involved!!!!!!!