The 26th annual Hanover Street Fest temporarily transformed Main Street into an outdoor bazaar, featuring live music, international foods, horse-drawn carriage rides and outdoor booths stocked with a wide range of items for sale by local merchants.
Extending from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the street fest kicked off in front of the Hanover Inn and continued for three blocks to Fleet Bank, including the side Lebanon and Allen Streets. Local police closed the road to traffic throughout the day.
The festival featured entertainment, highlighted by jugglers, stilt walkers and clowns, as well as music courtesy of local bands and radio stations.
According to the Upper Valley Chamber of Commerce, the festival draws people from 25 different towns in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.
The street fest is also an important day for business in Hanover. While families with young children are often attracted to the entertainment offered by the event, special sales draw many students each year.
Everything But Anchovies participates annually by selling its signature pizza under a tent outside the restaurant.
"It's always a big day. It is nice to see all of the local business owners outside together," owner Maureen Dowd said.
Norwich resident Kelly Handle emphasized the event's positive overall atmosphere.
"The street fest is always a fun environment. It's a great way to bring the Upper Valley together and support local musicians and merchants," she said.
