WINCHENDON – The Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA will hold its 30th annual Winchendon Summer Solstice Celebration this Saturday.
The timing couldn’t be better since, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory, summer will officially begin at 10:22 p.m. Saturday evening. The Clark is located at 155 Central St. in Winchendon with most of the day’s activities taking place on adjacent Clark Field, site of the Y’s athletic field.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Morin Real Estate 5K Fun Run/Walk. Registration is $5 and same-day entries are welcome.
“If someone wants to do that,” Quinn said for day-of registration, “I’d recommend that they’re here by 8:30. The race will go off right at 9 o’clock.”
The 5K will traverse a portion of the North Central Pathway as well as several local streets. A children’s fun run/walk will be held around mid-day.
“The kids race will take place right around noon or 12:30,” said Quinn. “We’ll make an announcement just before it’s time to start and any kid who wants to can participate. There’s no sign-up required.”
A parade down Central Street will begin at 11 a.m. and includes first responders, local businesses and organizations. The main celebration runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’ve held the celebration every year, except for the Covid years,” said Mike Quinn, the Clark’s executive director. “The town has been able to continue the tradition and we’re proud to be a part of it….The event helps to support the programs we offer throughout the year here at the YMCA.”
In addition to a host of vendors, there will be inflatables, face painting and live music. Musical entertainment will be provided by Winchendon native Cailte Kelley, who plays a variety of pop, rock and country music. Also performing will be the acoustic duo Tiny Pets with music from the ‘90s and more.
Anyone interested in being a food & field vendor should email n.raynor@clarkymca.org. If you or your business or organization would like to be a parade participant, contact a.tousignant@clarkymca.org. And to volunteer for the event contact k.scrivines@clarkymca.org.
The Summer Solstice Celebration isn’t the only event happening in the Toy Town on Saturday. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon is holding its Summer Lawn Fair on the lawn at 126 Central St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food, crafts and new and used goods for sale, and a “freecycle table.” The Summer Lawn Fair has been a tradition at the church since 1867, according to organizers. To rent space or learn more, visit https://uucw.ncmuuc.org/summer-fair/.