Ashland’s Dragonfly Festival: Sat., August 12

Don’t miss the fourth annual Dragonfly Festival presented on Saturday, August 12th from 2 to 8:30 p.m. by Arts! Ashland Alliance and featuring great music, fun entertainment for the whole family, talented artisans, and a variety of delectable food options.
The Dragonfly Festival site is at Mill Pond Park and on the grounds of the Ashland Historical Society, which abuts Mill Pond and the Sudbury River, a natural habitat for the dragonfly. New this year, the festival footprint has expanded to include special performances at The Corner Spot, downtown Ashland’s newest pop-up business and park location at nearby 6 Cherry St. Myrtle St will again be closed to Water St and Pine Hill Rd., allowing for street performers and more.
“This is a free, family-friendly event. A great afternoon and evening of music, art, and food, and we are enthused that this is our fourth year,” Arts! Ashland Alliance member Steve Mitchell said. “It’s been personally satisfying being involved in this dynamic grassroots project where we celebrate community, diversity, and culture.”
In mythology, the dragonfly represents change, wisdom and potential. As a symbol for the Festival, the dragonfly supports the Arts! Ashland Alliance’s theme of community, renewal, growth ,and diversity.
“The Dragonfly Festival is a unique blending of local talent, artistic energy and reliance on the community to both produce the event and support it,” Mitchell added. “We’re delighted that town officials have embraced this amazing grassroots event.”
So, plan to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for a memorable afternoon and evening.
Live music will include The Chili Brothers, featuring Bruce Mattson, headlining the main stage, along with hometown favorites, The Bobby Watson Band performing rhythm and blues and the six-piece, Bluegrass-based Railroad House Band. You’ll also find unique artists in The Dale Show which offers original music, plus some of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 60s through the 80s.
Other popular performers include Rick Goldin who engages children with folk songs, music, and puppetry; Brazilian singer Jorbley DeSousa, Lori Diamond, and Fred Abatelli, a duo of exceptional talent and the Crocodile River Music Drummers, specializing in African-influenced rhythms.
Artisans exhibiting their wares will have something to excite and entice every member of your family. Come experience Imagine That Face Painting, Little Beehives Farm, Angel Hair Alpaca products, Walkabout Art, Harry’s Birdhouses, Henna by Julia, How Charming! Jewelry, Morningside Designs, Cheryl Cohen Mosaics, Kaleidoquilt, Full Circle ARTS, Gracie’s Gunnies and more.
Gourmet food abounds with Anzio’s brick-oven pizza, delicious subs and sandwiches from Curbside Caps—the Capriotti’s Food Truck, Uncle E’s BBQ Express and other vendors.
Young artists can try their hand at creating Dragonfly lanterns. Lanterns and floating fires lit on Mill Pond at dusk will add special ambiance and beauty to this sensational outdoor festival.
Discover more at dragonflyfestival.org and facebook.com/DragonflyFestivalAshland.