ASHBY — One of Ashby’s favorite community traditions is returning this summer as AshbyFest celebrates its fourth year on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Ashby Common.
The family-friendly festival will feature live music throughout the day, local dancers and performers, artisans and crafters, children’s games and activities, face painting, bounce houses, food vendors, and even baby goats and a petting zoo. Organizers say this year’s event promises something for everyone, with art, music, food, and entertainment filling the center of town all day long.
Over the past several years, AshbyFest has become known for showcasing outstanding local musical talent, especially young performers from the region. Organizers say they hope the excitement and community spirit that made previous festivals so memorable will continue to grow this year, with even more activities and entertainment being added to make this year’s event the biggest AshbyFest yet.
“This event is really about bringing the community together,” said Children’s Librarian Rose Smith. “There will be music of all varieties, fun for kids and adults alike, and an opportunity to celebrate all of the amazing organizations and people that make Ashby special.”
New this year, the Ashby Fire Department will be selling food during the festival.
AshbyFest also serves as an important fundraiser for many local nonprofits and community organizations, including the Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library, Friends of the Council on Aging, Fire Department, Friends of the Grange, Historical Society, Land Trust, Ashby Community Collaborative Inc., and many others. Proceeds from the event help support programming, outreach, and community services throughout town.
Library Director Heather Brodie Perry said AshbyFest will also serve as the kickoff for the library’s Summer Reading Program.
“This year’s theme is ‘Plant a Seed, Read,’ and this event helps plant the seed of a lifelong love of learning in the minds of children in Ashby,” Perry said. “We will have many plant-related activities at AshbyFest and throughout the summer at the library.”
Perry also highlighted one of the festival’s unique offerings from the Ashby Library Homeschool Cooperative.
“Our homeschool cooperative will be selling ‘Blind Date with a Book’ packages at AshbyFest to help both adults and children discover their next favorite read,” Perry said. “It is such a fun way to find a great new book while enjoying a few fun surprises tucked inside.”
The “Blind Date with a Book” fundraiser was created by Stephanie Hopkins and members of the homeschool cooperative, which meets twice a week at the library.
“Stephanie Hopkins and the entire homeschool team did a fantastic job making these book bundles creative and exciting,” Perry said. “It is a wonderful fundraiser for a truly special cooperative that has become an important part of the library community.”
Organizers are still welcoming additional vendors, musicians, and performers for the event.
For more information about AshbyFest, or to participate as a vendor or performer, contact Talent Manager Rebecca Anderson at [email protected] or the Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library at [email protected].
Additional information is also available through the Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St. Contact Library Director Heather Brodie Perry at [email protected] or call 978-386-5377.
-Ashby Free Public Library