Town Day Buzzes with Activity For All Ages

Downtown streets were lined with tented booths, food vendors and merchants. Mill Pond's stage was the platform for a host of performers. The town's police, firemen and DPW workers  showcased their equipment. was vibrant with a display of student art work. The buzzed with music, animal shows, pony rides and a barbequ,e while dogs with their owners vied for "Best in Show".

What accounts for all the planning, the effort and the variety that goes into every inch of Town Day? The answer lies in the words of those who planned and participated.

"We're here because we love it," said Dot Butler as she handed out hamburgers and hot dogs with fellow Chamber of Commerce members. "It's a way to connect and celebrate all that the town has to offer."

 "It unifies the town and builds community," said Cathy Alexander, Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Those sentiments were in evidence everywhere you looked.

Janet Boswell, Chair of  the Winchester Special Education Parent Advisory Council Parent (PAC) worked the council's booth with Alicia Hintlian. They emphasized their group's resources and common ties.

"We want to get the message out to every parent with a  special needs child  that they are not alone. We are reaching out to parents for whom English is a second languauge, new immigrants - any parent, educator and friend committed to good education for every child," Boswell said.

At the Multicultural Network(MCN) booth member Anna Buxton said that she has lived in many countries.

"I've never lived in a place that offers people the opportunity to be a part of each other's lives the way the Network does," she stated. "I felt welcome to be part of a town that recognizes its international connections."

Many vendors offered goods that were a labor of love.

and his wife Julie gave out samples of their breads and introduced a new product - grilled cheese panini.

"It's great being here and part of the excitement and energy," said Joe Piantedosi. "My family has been in business for three generations. It has served many  families and communities. We like to keep that going."

Other booths, particularly those that stretched along Mt.Vernon Street sold goods made at home by people devoted to their craft.

One of several such vendors was Nancy Alfonso of Medford.

"I've worked for companies who would place orders for hand crafts but decided to work for myself," Alfonso said pointing to her "Blue Hydrangea Collection" of painted glassware and ceramics. "I absolutely enjoy it so much more now that I have the artisitic freedom to make what I like and share that with my customers." 

By late afternoon the booths packed up, the streets cleared out until next year. The day ended with families and friends quietly settled in open spaces watching the brilliance of the town's fireworks.  

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