The Town of Lloyd’s Police Department donned prison stripes and took second place in a previous SpringFest bed race. (photo by Lauren Thomas)
At first Highland SpringFest was a way to bring people to the struggling hamlet. Now in its third year, the fest, having accomplished its main purpose, is simply billed as a “fun family community event.” “It’s been very successful, with the crowds bigger and better each year,” said Kate Jonietz, the Lloyd event’s coordinator. “We’re working harder than ever to get this hamlet going again.”
This year’s third annual SpringFest will be this Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Highland hamlet. There will be a repeat of the two highly competitive (and fun) races down Church and Main streets. First, there’s the Waiters’ Race, where a team of waiters from various establishments in the area carry loaded food trays. And second, there’s the Bed Race, where various teams of four push a bed — with an occupant — along the race route.
Both races have proven extremely popular with the crowds at the SpringFest. Fest coordinator Stephanie Fraino has come up with a novel addition: musical chairs on Main Street, where 30-or-so chairs are offered to various participants — until the music stops.
There will also be an art exhibition at the Vidala Pharmacy building on Main Street and local bands at the center stage at Calvary Chapel on the corner of Main Street and Vineyard Avenue. Playing from noon to 3 p.m. will be In the Pocket. From 2 to 4 p.m. the Fuzzy Lollipops will perform for the kids. And then 33 1/3 (formerly Silk and Sound) will play from 4 to 7 p.m.
Stage to Screen, a local theater group, will hold two performances of a short play, the first at center stage at 11:30 a.m. There will also be a kids’ carnival with the traditional rides, jumping castle and face-painting. In addition, the Highland Cultural Arts Center will offer arts and crafts for kids 5 to 12 years old. And of course there will be lots of food and drink for all.
“My vision is to use the carnival as a fundraiser for the Highland schools,” said Fraino.
For more information, call Fraino at 347-239-8153 or Jonietz at 691-2144, ext. 100.