Folk Festival blasts into town
Last night, Lowell was home to the biggest, best outdoor party—with music drifting along the breeze from Boarding House Park to the lot behind the National Park Visitors’ Center (a new location for the dance tent and an absolutely brilliant decision). I know, it’s the Folk Festival, and we expect to hear music and see people outside dancing and eating ethnic foods. Well, I didn’t expect to see so many people having fun (thousands), nor see bands in new locations. In fact, there were only two festival stages set for opening night of the 21st annual event, touted as the largest free folk festival in the country. Area businesses joined together (or on their own) to provide live music, such as the band playing in the middle of Palmer Street, which was flanked by crowds at tables outside Café Paradiso, Fortunato’s, and the Blue Shamrock. There was also a band of local veterans playing in the lot on Market Street where Olive That and More served beer and wine, and Café Aiello dished up gelato. Mambo Grill had a band on the sidewalk amid outside diners, drinkers, and walkers. People of all ages—from seniors toe-tapping on the benches at Market Street to a toddler twirling with mom at the dance tent—joined in the fun as the whole downtown became a huge block party. Best of all, it’s just beginning!
Dancing at the new stage/dancefloor in the Market Street Visitors’ Parking Lot:
Happy travellers arrive at Boarding House Park last night via the trolley to enjoy opening acts at this year’s Folk Festival.
