Rain, rain went away and Sip & Stroll was shining
Renee Patenaude gets a kiss from her teacup Yorkie Gizmo. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
Cody Deane with his 16-week-old puppy Lola. 
Mark Chase of Charred Oak Tavern cooks for customers.
Richard and Heather Pascarelli take a break. 
Kellan Lacey, an obvious Spiderman fan, with his dog Bella.
The stately Town Hall served as a backdrop.
The Cousins Maine Lobster truck brought that state's specialty south to Middleboro. 
Mother and daughter Cynthia Foley and Andrea Gammell snacked on some pizza.
Satori Hawes, known for her work on paranormal programming, shared a craft booth with her mother. 
This guy made some visitors hungry.
The Slime Sisters business in Brockton was represented by its young owners, from left, Chiaka Ibekwe and Winners Asemota, with her brother Elijah Asemota. 
Some colorful art on sale.
Renee Patenaude gets a kiss from her teacup Yorkie Gizmo. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Cody Deane with his 16-week-old puppy Lola.
Mark Chase of Charred Oak Tavern cooks for customers.
Richard and Heather Pascarelli take a break.
Kellan Lacey, an obvious Spiderman fan, with his dog Bella.
The stately Town Hall served as a backdrop.
The Cousins Maine Lobster truck brought that state's specialty south to Middleboro.
Mother and daughter Cynthia Foley and Andrea Gammell snacked on some pizza.
Satori Hawes, known for her work on paranormal programming, shared a craft booth with her mother.
This guy made some visitors hungry.
The Slime Sisters business in Brockton was represented by its young owners, from left, Chiaka Ibekwe and Winners Asemota, with her brother Elijah Asemota.
Some colorful art on sale.
MIDDLEBORO -- Lorna Brunelle suspects Mother Nature needed a Snickers Bar Saturday, July 18.
The gusty winds, pouring rain and thunder and lightning forced the Sip and Stroll on Middleboro Town Hall to be postponed to its rain date of Sunday July 19.
The wait was worth it, Brunelle, the event organizer, said.
When the event takes place in July, “sometimes we call it the sweat and stroll or heat stroke stroll,’’ she said with a laugh.
But this July day was perfect, she said. With clear skies and high temperatures barely topping 80, the conditions more closely resembled September, she said.
And despite people’s busy summer schedules, nearly all the vendors were able to make the rain date.
So did the shoppers. “It’s going great,’’ Brunelle said as she looked at the tents filled with homemade items, food choices and some alcoholic options.
She thanked the Middleboro police and fire departments for accommodating the date change.
The Sip & Stroll benefits scholarships to the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts, which Brunelle owns and serves as artistic director.
The community feeling attracted Cody Deane, who owns an auto detailing business not far from the town center. Middleboro supports him, he said, and he wants to do the same in return.
“I always come out for the community,’’ he said. “I love this place.’’
Richard and Heather Pascarelli relaxed with some snacks at a picnic table. “I like to look around and see what it’s about,’’ he said.
“We love the atmosphere, the music, the food, checking out all the local businesses,’’ Matt Lahey said.
Cynthia Foley of Brockton has attended the events regularly with her daughter, Andrea Gammell since she moved to Middleboro.
Renee Patenaude has gone to several Sip & Strolls. “I like all the vendors, the homemade gifts. You don’t see things like that anymore.’’
Lynne Botelho summed up the appeal in four words and a smile. “The shopping, of course.’’
