Festival To Make Colorful Return

WINSTED — September has only just begun and the tops of many trees have begun to change color, apparently “tricked� by recent temperature swings. Though the situation may constitute a nuisance for those who have to start raking their lawns early, it may help make this year’s Fall Foliage Festival on Oct. 6 one of the most colorful yet.

“We’ve sent out information to all the cable networks and we’re sending out press releases next week, so we’re in good shape,� outgoing Friends of Main Street Executive Director Barbara DeBellis said of this year’s festival, which is again being managed by the organization. Asked if she expects this year’s street fair to be as successful as previous years, she said, “You betcha.�

DeBellis announced last month that she was taking a job as a fundraising coordinator for the American Mural Project, known informally as the “Wall of America� art project spearheaded by Sharon resident Ellen Griesedieck. Despite taking on the new job, DeBellis is working one day per week with Friends of Main Street through the month of September. She said the Fall Foliage Foliage Festival will not be affected by her departure.

“Friends of Main Street is a board and volunteer-driven organization so the festival will be just fine,� DeBellis said. “Invitations have gone out to vendors and we’re accepting applications for booths. We have about 30 vendors so far and anyone who wants a booth should call Friends of Main Street at 860-738-3351.�

Booths are free for Winsted vendors and there is a $40 fee for out-of-town vendors.

“We’re expecting it to be spectacular,� DeBellis said. In addition to the many vendors, including food, clothing, jewelry, books, stuffed animals, autumn decorative items, nonprofit groups, student and service organizations, the Fall Foliage Festival will feature the return of Winsted’s annual Elks Antique and Classic Car Show, which was dropped from the festival last year.

“The Elks have been wonderful,� DeBellis said. “They have been advertising the car show with fliers all over the state. This one will probably be the biggest one yet.�

As in previous years, the Elks will run a food booth near the corner of Main and Union streets, where the car show will begin. Cars will park on either side of the north lane of Route 44. For more information about the event call the Winsted Elks Lodge during evening hours at 860-379-8045.

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