Story and photos by Lisa Carolin
Perhaps the busiest spot in downtown Chelsea Saturday, day three of the Sounds and Sights Festival, wasn’t the KidZone at the Clocktower complex nor the Pet Parade forming at the Train Depot.
It wasn’t even the Festival Social Tent behind The Common Grill. To hear Bob Pierce, executive director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce tell it, it was the parking lot of the Farmers Market that was really hopping.
“It’s borderline chaos, but great fun,” said Pierce, attributing the market’s Main Street/Palmer parking lot location to its big draw. “The crowds have been astounding.”
Pierce, clad in an orange Chelsea Area Festival Events shirt, was directing traffic into the market’s parking lot from 9 a.m. until it ended at noon.
“People are coming to the Festival from as far away as Ohio,” he said. “It’s a great attraction.”
Main Street was continually crawling with cars and pedestrians checking out the sidewalk vendors and the Art Market.
Chelsea Farmers Supply sponsored the annual Pet Parade at 10 a.m. with the theme Zombie Apocalypse. Jason Kalinski brought his goat Honey, who wore a garment indicating that she was a survivor.
Matt Trenary came with his dog Luci, who wore faux bloodied bandages around her paws. His 15-month-old son Mack relaxed in his stroller made up as a zombie.
Five-year-old Ben Hickman was also made up and came with his dog Daisy.
“We thought it was crazy being zombies but fun,” said Ben’s mom Alecia Hickman.
The KidZone offered three Bouncy Houses, a bubble blowing station, Chelsea Lanes’ portable bowling alley, and tattoos from Inflate Your Party.
“I like working on kids because they’re so happy about tattoos,” said Allison Turner. “Boys like the skulls and sharks, and girls like the butterflies and hearts.”
Twin sisters Mia and Eva Brenner, 9 years old, participated in the Chalk Art Contest. They both drew colorful versions of their dog, a Puggle.
Volunteer Sudha Naraharisetti has helped at the Festival for the last five years.
“Everybody is really wonderful and friendly,” said Naraharisetti, who works as an ambassador for the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and helps coordinate events all around town.
Many, many thanks to the volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible. When I see events like this, I am so proud to call Chelsea home.