GREENFIELD — Children splashed and frolicked through the refreshing spray of water on a muggy 90-degree Saturday, laughing and squealing with joy.
The water fell from Greenfield Fire Department’s ladder truck, parked on Main Street for the annual SummerFest. The “rain” is one of the most popular attractions for children at the event.
“The water is one of the best parts,” said Stephanie Lupeien of Northfield, who has brought her children to SummerFest for three years.
Lupeien said her children were also eager to take part in the pie-eating contest, which was held at 1:30 p.m.
Other children participated in face painting, blowing bubbles and arts and crafts. Locals of all ages tried to knock an Elvis impersonator from his perch in the dunk tank, as he danced and grooved to the live music coming from the Recreation Department’s stage.
The event was organized by the Greenfield Business Association, who held sales featuring both downtown Greenfield favorites and outside vendors of food, jewelry, clothes, artwork and more. Main Street was closed to traffic from Federal to Wells streets to allow for the festivities.
“SummerFest is our biggest event of the year, and it’s a great way to show off our amazing downtown, and the shopping and eating opportunities we have year-round,” Caitlin von Schmidt, GBA coordinator, told The Recorder. “Plus, there’s the fun of checking out visiting vendors and taking part in all the extra fun we have on Saturday.”