GRANBY — Dino Fest 2024 is back for its 10th iteration and residents are once again welcomed to join in on the biggest dino party yet.
This year’s festival will be on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be located on the common near 235 State St., rain or shine. The event is open to the public and free except for art crafters and food vendors.
The one-day celebration has become a tradition of embracing the town’s heritage and talent. Dino Fest’s motto “hugs and smiles” sets the tone for the family fun day that Doucette said is designed to feel like one big family reunion for the community.
Doucette said this year’s Dino Fest is expected to have a record number of vendors, with 117 crafters already lined up for the day. Local Granby organizations and community outreach groups will be on site as well.
“It’s going to be a shopping frenzy,” Doucette said.
Food vendors will be open on the common as well as art crafters where residents will be able to purchase any of the work for sale. Doucette said the opportunity for crafters always serves as a steppingstone for many local artists looking to display their work.
Headlining music performances will be Prone To Mischief, who, in thanks to a grant through the Granby Cultural Council, will be performing starting at noon. Another headlining performer will be Brie, of Brie’s Balloons who will be live to create different creations for children and families. The balloons used are 100% biodegradable latex.
The third headlining performer of the day will come at 2 p.m. with the Incredible Magician Johnathan “Ice Bird” Nelson.
There will also be contests going on during the festival, including the Apple Pie Baking contest at 10:30 a.m., the Dino Dash at 11:30 a.m., the Chocolate Pie Eating Contest at 1 p.m. and the Tin Can Raffle Drawing at 3 p.m.
The classic Dino Dance will start at 12:30 p.m. and participants are encouraged to dress in their best dino gear.
“Hopefully we can get the biggest Dino Dance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And ready for this? We’re the only Dino Dance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” Doucette said with a laugh.
Also joining the festival will be Dine Fest mascot Zippy the Dino, who will also be joined by Smokey Bear who is celebrating his 80th birthday. There will also be a showcase of antique and classic cars, trucks and tractors. Free parking will be available.
Doucette said his favorite part of the festival is seeing the community gather in what has been at an increasingly growing scale over the years. To him, it is what makes the event all the worthwhile.
“To take it from its origins to where it is now, it’s like I’m paying forward. I’m giving back to life what life has given to me,” Doucette said.
For more information on this year’s Dino Fest, visit its Facebook page.
