July Jubilation Set For Saturday

The July Jubilation returns to Wellesley Saturday, showcasing local businesses and their bargains in an event filled with food, attractions and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Demian Wendrow, director of operations at London Harness and organizer for the July Jubilation, says this year is running smoothly. "Everything's all set," he said.

This will be the third year the Wellesley Center Merchant's Association has been in charge of the July Jubilation, said Wendrow, a member of the association. The Jubilation was launched 18 years ago by Wellesley Bank, he said, but the association took over organizing it in 2007.

The town closes off Central Street for the event, and local merchants - 50 of them this year - set up booths and tents on the road and along the sidewalk. The number of local businesses participating this year makes it one of the biggest, Wendrow said. But the event isn't just for businesses on Central Street - merchants from Church Street, Linden Street and Grove Street also participate.

"It's a good opportunity to move your spring merchandise," Wendrow said. Often, that's done at a significant discount, he added. "It's a great sidewalk sale."

In between purchases, residents can enjoy music provided by Z-Tunes DJ service and Plugged In Teens, a Needham after-school music program (playing acoustic, to avoid interference with the DJ), two moonwalks, a science show, a guy on stilts, face painting, a caricature artist and food and drink from several restaurants.

There will also be an open police cruiser, a chance to meet Miss Mazi, the local police bloodhound, a visit from Smokey the Bear and a smokehouse to check out.

"This whole day is one of my favorite days to work," Wendrow said.

The Wellesley Center Merchant's Association isn't shouldering the burden of all that organization itself. "We got a lot of support from the (Wellesley) Chamber as well," Wendrow said, which he appreciates.

After the event, the balance of the merchant's association's organizing budget will be donated to the Wellesley Education Foundation, Wendrow said.

A rain date for the event has been set for July 24.