Melrose Victorian Fair

It's September and that means it's time for the Melrose Victorian Fair. Each year the fair seems to get bigger and bigger.  Booth spaces numbered 187 at last check and then there were the artists and crafters at Artisan Alley. A large section of Main Street is closed every year to accomodate the crowds.  Some years, the attendance is over 10,000.

This year's fair was a wonderful blend of community organizations and the business sector. Students sold items as fundraisers for their sports teams.

I went clothes shopping at my favorite booths, hoping to achieve the Melrose chic look like this staffer at the Rada Boutique booth.

My co-workers were on hand to answer questions about banking and to give away some cool items.

The day started out cloudy and then the sun came out and the temperature was perfect.

In my opinion, the best giveaway at the fair was a Tshirt from Full Circle Design.

Some people brought their dogs. In fact, I saw almost as many dogs as babies.

Turner's Seafood did a brisk business.  They were serving mini lobster rolls and clam chowder.

Center stage had a variety of performers. One could see Irish step dancers, karate demonstrations, and choral groups.

A municipal parking lot served as a mini carnival with games and rides.

Another cute dog takes it all in from street level.  I hope he enjoyed himself.

I liked these costumes the best of all the center stage performers. Melrose chic, mais oui!

I was asked to take a photo of this man who is 90+ years old.  He rode his bike to the fair and then relaxed outside the local Starbucks at the heart of all the action.

I told you dogs were plentiful.

Center stage was not the only place for performers. There were clowns and living statues.

This man wanted to talk about free speech and the democracy amendment question on the November ballot.

Kudos to the Melrose Chamber for organizing another first class Victorian Fair. It was a perfect day.

Melrose Victorian Fair 2011

Sunday, the Melrose Chamber of Commerce held it's annual Victorian Fair.

The City of Melrose looks forward to this event every September. This year the fair coincided

with September 11th. Red and blue canopies lined Main Street. More than 10,000

people attended the Fair.

Marcy Holbrook was the emcee for this joyful but also somber event.

The Mayor opened the fair and dedicated it to Ray Rocha, a Melrose

resident who died on 9/11. Ray was working at Cantor Fitzgeraldat the World Trade Center that fateful morning. He was a member of the Melrose High School football team and a 1990 graduate.

A scholarship was created in his name and his parents attended the dedication on Sunday.

Many of the Melrose Dance Schools took center stage during the day.

These Irish step dancers werec wonderful as were all the groups.

A Victorian couple strolled Main Street.

Artisan Marketplace was a special area just for jewelers, photographers,

painters and crafters.

The street became more and more crowded as afternoon approached.

We could not have ordered a more beautiful day.  It was sunny with

mild temperatures.

All the standard fare could be found.  Fried dough, popcorn and cotton candy were plentiful.

My bank sponsored some vintage dancers and while they waited to perform, they had a picnic.

If the dancers had not brought their own refreshments, they could have had a mini lobster roll and cup of chowder from Turner's.

More ladies in Victorian garb.  They made the bonnet the young girl was wearing.

A ballet dancer gets a last minute touchup!

A living statue stopped people in their tracks! How can she stand so still?

I think this is my favorite photo of the day.  Someone had donated a vintage child's fire truck.

The bell did work, I tested it!

And this little angel was part of a group dance.

The police chief found a new friend.  

The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers did two 20 minute sets and they were wonderful.  Their
costumes were simple but perfect for a Victorian Fair.

A tasteful celebration on a somber day. A day of remembrance where the community came together once again.. This time we celebrated all that is good in our American way of life..

Melrose Victorian Fair

Last Sunday the Victorian Fair was held in Melrose, Massachusetts. This is an annual event for the Melrose Chamber. It is held rain or shine. But we did have a tsunami date just in case. Luckily the weather cooperated.

We had a great turnout. I say we because I am a Board Member of the Chamber. My only duty this year was to be the roving photographer, a position I gladly accepted.



The Fair was a huge success and all of those who worked on the Fair should be proud. There is alot of preparation and organization involved in the Fair. Of course, the coordination rests mainly on the Chamber Director and her assistant who worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly. All the booth spaces must be marked off on Main St before the tent vendor sets up, the food vendors need electricity, the streets have to be blocked off so the police are involved, the fire department and ems personnel need to be on alert,
the kiddie rides need to be set up, well it goes on and on.



Marcy Holbrook was the Fair's emcee again this year and she made the job look easy. She always looks beautiful and dresses in keeping with the theme of the Fair.




A Victorian couple strolled up and down Main Street.




And they stopped at my bank's booth where my sister was doing some sketching. So she did a sketch of the couple.



They liked it!



The crowd got bigger and bigger.




And Main Street never looked so festive!



I am sure it was pure bliss to be in a stroller and take in all the sights!



Smiles, smiles and more smiles!




You could get a massage if you wanted one.




Or buy a Melrose ornament.



There were human statues. The sign stated This Ship Runs on Tips.




Here's a closer look.



These girls with the balloon hats are sisters.



The Melrose Symphony Orchestra had a booth.






Lots of people came with their best friends.



The Boy Scouts were there.



A parking lot was devoted to kiddie rides.



This sweet miss enjoyed her carousel ride.



And this cutie preferred a rocket.




There were plenty of dance schools represented.




They did live performances of tap and jazz.



And Irish step dancing.



Politicians love to attend the Fair.





And there were balloons a plenty.




And yes, a Sand Sculpture on Main Street.



It came out great!



And of course what is a Fair without food? Turner's sold their famous chowder and oh drat did I miss the fried onion strings?



Fried dough is a must.



Need a coffee? Bohemian Coffee House had a booth and sold flavored coffee and muffins.
And their shop is adorable too!



The Human Statues took a break. It is physically demanding to stand perfectly still.




Chipstix! This is a delicious treat. I tried one with sour cream salt on it. Very tasty!



The beautiful people were there.



And an abundance of cute kids.



Lots of souvenirs to be had. Look at that baby's face! Makes me laugh every time I look at this shot.



Dogs in strollers. Meet Joy and Sadie.




The cheerleaders were at the Fair. Red and white are the Melrose school colors.



My sister sketched both of these girls.



Here's one of the sketches.



The other girl liked hers too.




The Governor made an appearance and chatted with the Mayor.




My sister did a painting of the Fair in between her sketching duties.

All in all a very successful day for the Chamber and the City. As for me, I won one of the Big Ticket Raffle prizes. A Melrose restaurant gift basket, a $250 value. Hmm, who should I take to dinner?

Well, I hope you enjoyed your virtual trip to the Melrose Victorian Fair. Maybe next year you might join us?