TAUNTON, MA — Last Saturday, the WEIR Corporation held the fifteenth annual Taunton River Festival at Weir Riverfront park.
The festival featured live music and entertainment throughout the day, a variety of children’s activities, a craft fair, a flea market and information exhibits.
Children enjoyed trackless train rides, two huge moonwalks sponsored by the Taunton Fire Department, face painting, pony rides, raffles, and Marla Isaac’s Reptile Show in which children are allowed to pet snakes, lizards, and turtles from around the world.
“We come here every year,” said Justin Jeffrey, who attended the festival with his wife and son, “Its always a lot of fun.”
Performances by musical acts including Nothing But the Truth Youth Choir, Cindy Lane & True Country, Treelyne, and a number of solo artists took place on two stages. The crowd was also treated to live demonstrations from Shuhari Dogo Marital Arts, the Taunton Boxing Association, Spotlight Dance Studio and the Silver City Dance Center.
Several informational exhibits run by local businesses, non-profit organizations, and sponsors of the festival lined the riverfront walkway. One such exhibit was a table manned by Cathy Foster, a local author who was promoting her autobiography, “Sharing My Secrets About the Angels in My Life.” Cathy lives in the Weir and has been attending the Taunton Riverfront Festival for over ten years. When asked about her experience this year, she said, “The festival has given me so many opportunities to talk to people, hear about their lives, hear their stories, and share my experiences with them, it’s been great.”
Sponsors and volunteers play an important role in the organization of the festival by providing financial support, prizes for the raffles and auctions and running the children’s activities. One such group volunteering their support this year was Boy Scout Troop 46, who was in charge of the moonwalks Saturday afternoon. Scout Master Chip Bunker said, “Our charter for troop 46 resides at Memorial United Methodist Church, the WEIR Corporation is our neighbor…We felt it was important for us to help as part of a service project.”
Festival Chairperson Stacia Brackett, was grateful for the support of the community. “Thanks to everyone for their support,” she said, “all the businesses that supported us and all the sponsorships that came in…we really appreciate all that’s being done.”