By Susan Manning
Staff writer

For nine years, the Dragonfly festival was put on by Ashland Arts Alliance. 

Until last year. It did not happen last year due to lack of capacity in planning the event

“I approached Arts Ashland Alliance asking if the town were to help with the planning could we bring it back as it was always a successful event and a way to celebrate the arts in Ashland. This was welcomed by the committee and planning was underway,” said Beth Reynolds, the town’s Director of Economic Development And Community Outreach.

With the amount of work that had taken place in the town, Reynolds said it was time to start it up again.

“With all the streetscape improvements in downtown Ashland we figured we could build on the previous Dragonfly event and create an event that incorporated the new sidewalks, existing and new businesses in town and get people walking around enjoying the beautiful downtown. 

“So we named the event Dragonfly Street Faire because we have enhanced the event and hope it grows into something bigger each year, with the hope that one day it might warrant us closing a street in downtown for the day to truly create the Street Faire feel,” she said.

This year, the event will take place at The Corner Spot, Ocean House/Historical Society and Clover Road Brewing Tap Room, all along Main Street.  The event will consist of 9 musical acts on 3 different stages, 4 performances including dance acts, 3 street performers and face painting.  Food will be set up at each location and beer and wine will be served at The Corner Spot and Clover Road.  

The sidewalks along Main Street will be lined with 23 vendors, small business owners selling their products, and 5 nonprofits will be popped up with activities for kids.  

The event will run from 1-6pm and Reynolds hopes to have a huge crowd. 

Parking will be available on the street and municipal lots.  

We hope for sunshine as there is no rain date for this event. 

“The event is free to all to attend but we hope people spend their dollars supporting the local vendors, restaurants and downtown shops that day!” said Reynolds.