MIDDLEBORO – Despite wind and drizzle, community members gathered to Sip & Stroll through a maze of creative vendors on the Middleboro Town Hall lawn Saturday, April 1.

The wind and rain really made for a good April fool’s joke, but event coordinator Lorna Brunelle said she consulted with two Boston-based meteorologists to ensure the weather would clear in time to Sip & Stroll.

And despite the weather, the crowds came out to get drinks from the outdoor bar and walk around to check out the crafts — hence the name Sip & Stroll.

From homemade bracelets, crochet, specialty salsas, to woodcrafts and homemade spring-themed sweet treats, the event had a lot to offer.

“I’m surprised I’m not blind by now” because of the intricate work, said Kevin Lynn from the booth Woodcrafts by Kevin. He described it as a new hobby he picked up after an unexpected health challenge.

The Honey I’m Home booth offered cookie boxes, egg and Easter cookie painting kits, pies, and more. It would definitely have you snacking into spring.

“My wife and I make it all, we enjoy it”, said Tim Cleland from the Honey I’m Home booth. 

Six food vendors, raffles and two bar services of New England grabbed attention as well, and perhaps this was a way to relax through the town election. 

The proceeds benefited The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts, an organization that aims to provide an inclusive atmosphere catering to aspiring artists of all ages. This was the first of a total of three Sip & Strolls each year, the Burt Wood Facebook page provides more information about September and November’s festivities.

Each of the 84 vendors seemed to be captivating much attention – from children, adults, and even dogs who attended.

All of the proceeds from booth fees that people pay to rent the spot go into the school’s scholarship each year. This year, 84 vendors paid a $75 booth fee for a total of $6,300 to the scholarship fund.

“We’ve been doing this for 12 years. We expanded it to outside during Covid – we always were inside,” said Brunelle. “And then in 2019 we were upstairs in the Grand Ballroom, and we had 2,000 people in three hours.” 

Due to Covid complications, this recurring event was transferred outdoors onto the lawn in 2021. This resulted in 4,000 people on the Middleboro Town Hall’s lawn that year.

“Just celebrating local artists, scholarships, the arts and just being together again, and ever since then knock-on-wood, as you can see – it’s raining a little bit, but everyone’s out here even with their dogs,” said Brunelle.