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Celebrate Saybrook Returns June 23

After a successful first year, the Celebrate Saybrook Street Party returns downtown in June. The festivities take place in downtown Old Saybrook on Sunday, June 23 from 2 to 7 p.m.

The street party takes place in a temporary pedestrian-only zone created in Old Saybrook’s downtown. As a result of the party, there will be some road closures. Part of Main Street between Elm and Sheffield Street will be closed at noon to create the pedestrian-only zone.

The day will feature live music, food, craft beers, and a mix of vendors with fun planned for the whole family.

The day will have a bevy of activities, such as a juggler, balloon creations, an Uncle Sam stilt walker, an Army National Guard inflatable obstacle course, live disc golf demos, racing, whac-a-mole, cornhole, and face painting. Businesses in the area will be open, and some are even offering special deals and activities for patrons.

On top of the family activities, live bands will provide music at two separate stages. On the main stage, sponsored by Webster Bank, Jamie’s Junk Show will play a mix of rock, reggae, bluegrass, and jazz. Meanwhile Soul Sound Review will play a mix of party and dance hits.

On the smaller stage, presented by Guilford Savings Bank, a mix of acoustic acts, including Jeremy Haddad, Frank Viele, and Seth Adam, will play a more lowkey set.

As for food, over 30 participating vendors will be showcasing their culinary talents, including some local restaurants such as Liv’s Oyster Bar, Cuckoo’s Nest, the Monkey Farm, AJ Noodle Bar, Johnny Ads, Luigi’s, Saigon City, and Mirsina’s. There will also be food trucks offering a wide selection of other cuisine.

Craft beer will be provided by Old Saybrook’s Myrcene Ale and the newly opened Thimble Island Brewery in addition to Coastline Brewing Company in neighboring Westbrook and other breweries from around the state.

For a full list of participants, event schedule, and parking options, visit www.celebratesaybrook.org.

According to Jennifer Donahue, the director of Economic Development and Communications for the town, Celebrate Saybrook is an event the town has thought about doing for years. Last year the event was held for the first time and organizers weren’t sure exactly what to expect. What they got was a roaring success .

“Last year was wonderful! Not only did we have a beautiful day, but we had a great crowd and enthusiastic feedback. The excitement and appreciation that the community expressed made us realize that we had to make this an annual event and that we needed to make it even bigger and better,” Donahue said.

Besides more bands and different types of music, Donahue also said the event has nearly double the food and a large increase in vendors.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, especially our main sponsor, FromYouFlowers, as well as all of the entertainers, vendors, and community organizations that signed on this year. Thanks to them, we expect Main Street to be filled with vibrant activity all day. We hope everyone in the area will mark their calendars now and join us,” Donahue said.

First Selectman Carl Fortuna shared that excitement.

“We are very excited to offer this event for the second year to kick off summer in Old Saybrook. Last year, when we closed the street, we weren’t sure what to expect, but it was so much fun that we worked hard this year to provide an even better family-friendly celebratory atmosphere with more feat food, music, and drink. Last year’s response in our community and beyond was extremely positive, and we hope everyone from around the state will come to enjoy the day with us,” Fortuna said in a statement.