More than 30 years ago, an event was planned to celebrate Williamstown called the Main Street Festival. Fewer than 10 years ago, the event grew to the point where Main Street could no longer support the event ,which led to its move to Owens Park under a different name. Thus the Music Festival was born.
This year’s Music Festival is scheduled for June 1 at 5 p.m. with a rain date of June 2 at the same time. This event is free of charge, however there are craft vendors, food, refreshments, beer and wine available for purchase.
For children, there is an amusement section where tickets can be purchased for $1 apiece or $15 for a wristband. The wristband provides unlimited access to all attractions except the mechanical bull.
Director of Parks and Recreation Terry Bannister spoke to one of the new aspects of this year’s festival.
“New this year, there’s a third stage by the vendors area,” he described. “That stage is booked with local talent, kids will come up and play for 15 to 20 minutes. We got a lot of interest from local kids and bands.”
The main stage will feature country singer Madeline Smith and Cheers The Band, while the second stage will host TK Howlers and Radioactive.
Attendees are encouraged to park at Williamstown Middle School on the fifth- and sixth-grade side. From there, a shuttle will run to the entrance of Owens Park and back again.
Tiffany Carney, parks and recreation clerk, said it’s not just a music festival but a chance to appreciate the town.
“The best part is giving back to the residents,” she said. “We try to say ‘thank you’ for being a Monroe resident. Thank you for doing your share, here’s a big party and please come to it.”
Bannister estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 people show up each year.
“It really shows the pride of the town,” Carney continued. “You get to see every single thing this town offers, whether it’s the teacher who comes out because they live and work here, whether it’s the firefighter that comes out or the resident that comes out that just loves living here – this night is a staple for so many people.”
The last band will exit the stage by 10 p.m., which is when fireworks cap off the event.
“The fireworks display is fantastic,” Bannister added.
The Music Festival boasts fun for the whole family while supporting the town itself.
“This is why it’s so great to live here. All of it’s free unless you choose to spend money,” Carney said. “For me, showing the pride and having that staple is what we strive for.”
