By Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Thousands of people made their way to the town common on the night of Friday, September 15th to celebrate Walpole’s annual Main Street Live event. Awaiting them was an assortment of food trucks lining Front Street, a huge stage set up on a closed-down portion of Elm Street, beer and wine tents, a few other local dessert options, and tables and chairs on which to enjoy it all.
The lively crowd included everyone from babies to senior citizens, and all seemed to be enjoying catching up with friends, family and neighbors. “I am 92-years-old and this is the craziest thing I have ever seen,” commented one attendee, in reference to the size of the crowd. Though it was a big gathering, members of the WPD were present during the night and no major incidents were reported.
This was the eighth year of this popular celebration, and, as luck would have it, this reporter was in attendance at the very first one back in 2015. One of the bigger highlights of that first year, in addition to the music, of course, was the al fresco dining. Back then, outdoor dining was more of a luxury than it is now. Most of the restaurants in the downtown area had set up temporary outdoor seating, and the event was more spread out rather than focused on the common like the current manifestation.
Main Street Live is brought to the town courtesy of the Economic Development Committee (EDC), a group of seven Select Board appointed members. The main focus of the group is to support, promote and attract Walpole business. “Main Street Live started as a way for us to try to help downtown business,” explained EDC member Donnell Murphy. “Nine years ago, Main Streets were really going on the back burner. We decided to have a town fair backed by the restaurants, and it went well for a few years…but then Covid hit.” Now that outdoor dining is more prevalent and successful, the event has changed with the times and added beer and wine sales, as well as food trucks. This was clearly a recipe for success! “We estimate about 6,000 people came through the event,” Murphy said, in regard to the turnout. “The community really comes together for this, and the town has been very good about it.”
Walpole Media filmed Main Street Live and has it up on their YouTube channel for anyone interested in viewing it. Main Street Live depends on a number of volunteers to run efficiently; those interested in helping out next year should reach out to Patrick Deschenes, director of the EDC, at the town hall.
