NAUGATUCK — In celebration of summer, the borough of Naugatuck is hosting its seasonal street festival on Sunday.
Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess began the seasonal street parties in the fall of 2016 as a way to bring the community together.
“What sparked it was very simply that there was nothing to do in Naugatuck that would bring the community together on a large scale,” Hess said about the events’ origin. “I always travel to New Orleans, I’ve been going my whole life, and that city is filled with festivals and events. We incorporated some of these ideas and brought them to our street festival.”
Previously, the festivals began at 4 p.m., but due to the events’ popularity the hours were extended, beginning at 2 p.m., Hess’ assistant and street festivals coordinator Terri Takacs said.
Funded solely by local sponsors and donations, the borough does not charge the vendors for their participation, of which there are between 80 and 90, Takacs said.
“This is what is so incredible about our mayor, usually at these events people pay hundreds of dollars to be a part of it. He wants all our local people to make money and have something great for our town and people to do,” Takacs said. “It is great when we get vendors and food trucks from outside of Naugatuck. This festival has the biggest variety of food you’ve ever had.”
From raw seafood, clam strips, lobster rolls and pizza to gyros, gourmet hot dogs, Caribbean food and churros, the festival has something for everyone, Takacs said.
New this year is the Milkcraft food truck, part of the popular ice creamery in Fairfield.
“The actual restaurant still has lines around the building to get in. We were really lucky to be able to get them to come,” Takacs said.
For customers who wish to purchase alcohol, with the first drink they purchase from the beer and wine vendor they receive a free wristband that allows them to peruse the festival with drinks in hand, Takacs said.
“We don’t mind at all,” Takacs said. “It hasn’t caused any problems in previous years. Everyone has been very respectful.”
For the children there will be magicians, face painting, a bouncy castle and a group of Disney princesses roaming the area for photographs, Takacs said.
As part of this year’s festival, a motorcycle parade sponsored by the Naugatuck Eagle Riders will take place around 4:30 p.m. The riders will pass out American flags for Mission 22, which raises awareness of veteran suicide and PTSD, Takacs said.
Hess insisted that while the street festivals garner crowds each season and attract attention on social media, they are a work in progress.
“We are looking to make them portable, move them in other locations in town. The idea is to get the community together,” Hess said. “A lot of people get to see each other and friends they haven’t seen in a long time. We have established a very cool vibe downtown that will continue to grow.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the festival was postponed to Sunday due to the forecast of rain for Saturday.
