Another success: Sip and Stroll returns to Middleboro for 15th year
MIDDLEBORO — The Town Hall lawn was packed Saturday, July 19, as Sip and Stroll returned for its 15th year, drawing thousands of attendees to browse local vendors and sip beverages of choice.
Ninety-five vendors filled the space in front of Town Hall, offering everything from handmade pottery and jewelry to ice cream, lobster rolls and beer. Visitors came from across Middleboro and as far as Boston.
“I’m so grateful that so many people gave up time in their yards, in their pools and at the beach to be here to support all of these artists,” said event organizer Lorna Brunelle.
More than a third of the vendors were based in Middleboro, including several food and beverage stands. The Hideaway served lobster rolls, quahogs and steak and cheese egg rolls. Nearby, Central Cafe fired up pizzas using ovens brought straight from the restaurant.
“We knew it was going to be warm, so we were trying to keep it light,” said Boaz McMahon of The Hideaway. “It’s good—we’re trying to hammer away at it. It’s perfect weather.”
Coffee Milano offered lemonade and other non-alcoholic drinks, while the Bartending Service of New England served alcoholic options.
Brunelle, who leads the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts, attracted many attendees simply there to support her and the event.
“Lorna is a huge part of our lives, because she does a ton of interview prep and talent preparation for the competition,” said Hope Anderson, Miss Cranberry Country.
Anderson and fellow Miss America competitor Lillian Rankin, Miss Taunton Teen, walked the grounds in dresses, crowns and sashes, often stopping to talk to curious children.
“We love supporting Lorna because she’s always supporting us and is really just an incredible person in our community,” Anderson said.
Elsewhere on the lawn, Jacob Pasquarello — brother of Miss Middleboro Teen — wore an ice cream cone costume to support his sister.
“Last time he dressed up as an oyster,” said his mother, Evelyn Pasquarello. “Next Sip and Stroll, Jacob plans to dress as a coffee cup.”
Many vendors said they’ve been participating since the event’s inception.
“We’ve been doing Sip and Stroll since it started,” said Kara Andrews of Art on the Spot, who ran a face-painting booth. “It’s always a good time here, it’s always packed. What a great community event—it’s the perfect day to just hang out.”