NEW COMMUNITY TRADITION: 13 Things To Expect At Wilmington’s 1st Annual ‘Fall Festival’ On September 30

WILMINGTON, MA — At last night’s Select Board Meeting, Wilmington Fourth of July Committee Chair Patrick Giroux announced a new signature community fall event — the Wilmington Fall Fest.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 10am to 4pm, in the Municipal Parking Lot and Swain Green, across from the Town Common.

The Fall Fest will include:

• Children’s Costume Parade
• Antique Car Show
• Petting Zoo
• Food Truck & Artisan Festival
•  Jack-O-Lantern Showcase
• Pumpkin & Cookie Decorating Area
• Trackless Train Rides
• Touch-A-Truck Event
• Live Music
• Cornhole Tournament
• Community Tents & Community Meals
• Inflatable Park
• Wilmington Merchandise Sales

Attendees will be requested to pay a nominal admission fee. This amount has yet to be determined.

“The intent of the Fall Fest is two-fold,” explained Giroux. “One, the Committee is excited to bring in a fall event as Wilmington does not have too many fall activities right now. We feel an event like this will really celebrate the season and the community. Two, it’s serving as a fundraiser for the Wilmington Fourth of July Celebration, which — as you all know — is a terrific event, but the costs of the event are skyrocketing. We’re looking for an alternative vehicle to do some creative fundraising. We figured a Fall Fest would be a fun and joyous event for the community.”

The Select Board approved Giroux’s request to use the Municipal Parking Lot and Swain Green on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 6am to 6pm, which includes set-up and break-down time. (A rain date of Saturday, October 7, 2023 has been set.) The parking lot at Wilmington High School will serve as the primary parking lot for the event.

Giroux will be meeting with Wilmington Police Chief Joe Desmond in the coming weeks, but anticipates a similar number of police officers will be on site assisting with traffic for this event as is at the Town Tree Lighting, which is another event organized by his Committee.

All Select Board members praised the event.

“I think you’re going to be overwhelmed with the crowd you’re going to get,” predicted Select Board Chair Gary DePalma. “The kids will enjoy it, and the parents will too.”

The Select Board also permitted Giroux to place promotional posters for the Fall Fest on the WHS Tennis Court Fence, the Town Common, and outside the Fourth of July Building, beginning September 1, 2023.

Follow the Wilmington Fourth of July Committee’s Facebook page for additional information on the event as it becomes available. Contact fofcommittee@gmail.com with any questions.