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By Daniel Curtin
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Wellesley Square was bustling with energy as hundreds came out Saturday to partake in the great sales and family-friendly activities at the 2018 Wellesley July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale.
July Jubilation in a nutshell: an entertainer makes his way past shoppers poring through a 70-percent-off sale. Photos by Daniel Curtin
The event featured a wide variety of different entertainment, including street performers, a petting zoo, and a dunk tank, among many other attractions.
Melina Ponak was taking in the different activities with her son, Orion, who was a big fan of the ducks at the petting zoo.
“I think the general mood is really lively and cheerful,” Ponak said. “There were a couple of things my three year old son really loved, like the petting zoo, the bubbles, and the firetruck.”
In addition to having a firetruck on display for young kids to tour, members of the Wellesley Fire Department were raising money for a good cause by selling tasty treats. They were also taking turns getting soaked in the dunk tank.
Lieutenant Steve Mortarelli was out with fellow members of the fire department trying to raise money for muscular dystrophy research.
“It really hits home to us because we had a member pass away several years ago from the disease,” said Mortarelli. “We get a lot of participation. It’s for a great cause, obviously. The biggest thing is when you see the boot out there, drop a dollar bill in it - because it’s all going to a good cause.”
A street performer takes a moment for a photo with two July Jubilation attendees. Photos by Daniel Curtin
Matthew Graham, or “Magic Matt,” was one of several street performers who entertained children and adults alike.
“It’s a blast,” Graham remarked. “I’ve been doing the show here for the festival for the last four or five years. It’s always a lot of fun. It’s a great town. Everyone is really involved and friendly, and that is what makes it really fun for me.”
Many of the businesses in town had tents and booths out on the sidewalk, displaying the different savings and deals they were offering; many attendees, in turn, spent the beautiful, warm summer day bargain-hunting.
Mike Sirianni was with family as he walked up and down Central Street, viewing the many sights and sounds of the day.
“It’s a great little thing when you have a six year old,” Sirianni said, smiling. “Stuff like this is something [my son] looks forward to - where he can be around other kids and family.
“It’s a lot of fun.”
