[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Stephen Press
Hometown Weekly Staff
Walking from the public parking on East Street towards the center of town, the late afternoon sun shines brightly over the police department. In the the distance, the sound of live music and a crowd of people is unmistakable. Something festive is ahead, and the timing is perfect - the weather is comfortably balmy, and the town is abuzz with good feelings.
This is the final night of Main Street Live, and the community is eating it up. The event, now in its second year, aims to shine a spotlight the vibrant business and restaurant community that calls Walpole its home. Encompassing three successive Friday nights in September, Main Street Live features al fresco dining, live music and a walkable, family-friendly atmosphere, all in the center of town.
On this final night, however, the ante has been upped. In the triangular green bound by Main, West and Common Streets, there are tents serving food and drink, a large stage for bands, and countless smiling townspeople.
“Everybody’s having a good time,” observes Patrol Officer John Thayer, who sits on a bicycle at the edge of the event. “They’re enjoying themselves, the music, and the food from all the local shops; they’re having a good time.”
For Officer Thayer, this is the first Main Street Live event on the year - though his colleagues have spoken highly of its previous incarnations. “I heard it’s gone very well,” he says as the band plays a cover of The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus” in the background. “A lot of people showed up - it’s been a very good turnout. Looking like they got another nice night for it.”
A short jaunt away from Officer Thayer, just past an ice cream truck and a couple vendor booths, John Walsh sits under a tent with his family. “I have my granddaughter and my wife,” he says. “This is the third time we’ve come up here. We like to support what goes on in Walpole. We’ve been here quite a while.”
So, he must be in for a long night, then?
“She’d be here all night,” says Walsh, motioning to his wife with a wry smile and chuckle. “No, we’re not that young. We won’t make it!”
Nearer to the stage, Mary Williams and her daughter, Maddie, are taking in the afternoon. “It’s great,” she remarks. “Great for the kids. Fun to dance.” She then turns to little Maddie, who sits comfortably on her lap.
“Do you love it, Maddie? What do you think of this? Do you like the music?”
The tot remains reluctant to respond verbally, but makes her feelings known by moving to the music as she sits.
For attendees young and old, the final evening of 2016’s Main Street Live is a huge success - there seems to be something for everyone. The only common thread, observes Mike Slemmer, who sells drink tickets under a tent, is their enjoyment.
“They all seem to be having a good time,” he says. “This is great.”
