Flower truck at 2023 Summerfest
Photo Credit: Mendy Waits
On Saturday, July 12th, Chatham welcomes back CABA’s Summerfest, a fun summer festival for all ages centered on and around the village’s charming Main Street. This year’s festival begins at 10am, one hour earlier than in years past, and runs until 4pm. This year’s line-up boasts live music, an incredible list of vendors, and lots of fun activities.
2024 Great Chatham Bake-Off Winner (Roma Mazzariello)
Photo Credit: Melissa Davis
This year’s third annual Great Chatham Bake-Off will be judged by nationally-acclaimed chef, author, and editor Ruth Reichl, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation president Jack Shear, and Nine Cakes founder/baker Betsy Thorleifson. The contest will be located at the village gazebo, and amateur bakers (of all ages) are invited to show off their baking skills and compete for the blue ribbon. (Any type of baked goods is eligible. No need to sign up in advance- just bring your entries to the gazebo by 10:30 am on the 12th.) The Marton & Davis Pie-Eating Contest (one for adults and one for the under-16 set), will commence at 11:30 on the Chatham Brewing stage and promises to be lots of messy fun. Sign up at the booth by the brewery the morning of the event to take part.
Ruth Reichl
Photo Credit: Shannon Greer
Summerfest’s main stage is located at Chatham Brewery at 59 Main Street, and bands include The Beaks (at 12:30), Bits & Pieces (at 3:00) and Almost Vintage (at 6:00pm). From 2:00-4:00, singer/guitarist Scott Stockman will perform at the gazebo. Chatham Wine & Liquor will have wine tastings on site, Park Row Gallery will be hosting a vermouth tasting with Klocke Estate, and Cooper Daughter is one of the festival vendors.
There will be lots of entertainment for the kids- a hay ride will give rides to and from Crellin Park, and a magician will perform tricks, make balloon animals, and face-paint. There will be a scavenger hunt and Kids Club, in association with the Morris Memorial, will host a kids’ play area on Park Row.
Come hungry, because the local restaurants Fork & Whisk, Bimi’s Cheese Shop, Chatham Brewery, and Fiesta Café will be open during the festival. Or stay and have drinks or dinner in the village afterwards, at People’s Pub or Bimi’s Canteen & Bar. And it wouldn’t be a festival without “fair food”, so we’ll have plenty of food vendors, including Mr Ding-a-Ling ice cream and Pixie Floss Cotton Candy.
Many thanks to all of Summerfest’s sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Metzwood Insurance and Major Sponsor, the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation. A full list of activities and vendors can be found at www.chathamsummerfest.com, as well as a map and all the details. Please note: Summerfest has limited space for new vendors. Please see the website for times, parking info, and more details.