Sip and Stroll: Fostering community one step at a time

MIDDLEBORO — Tents, people and pets packed the lawn in front of Middleboro Town Hall for Sip and Stroll on Saturday.

Community members gathered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to shop, enjoy food and drinks, and socialize in an atmosphere organizer Lorna Brunelle described as a “feel-good vibe.”

The 95 vendors at this fall’s Sip and Stroll were a mix of first-timers and repeat attendees, some of whom Brunelle said have been coming to the event since she started it 15 years ago. She said these vendors are part of the reason so many people attend each year — thanks to their use of social media to advertise the event.

Part of her goal for the day is to give back to the community, she said. Proceeds from booth rentals support scholarships to the Burt Wood School of the Performing Arts, a school Brunelle founded and named after her high school music teacher Louisa Burt Wood Pratt.

She said the scholarships she is able to offer through these funds complete a circle of giving she has experience in her own life.

“I’m a scholarship recipient, I never could have gone to the Boston Conservatory without a scholarship — I haven’t forgotten my roots, and that’s why I do this,” Brunelle said.

She also said she appreciates seeing people of all ages attend the craft show. While alcoholic beverages — the “sip” in the event’s name — are available for purchase, she said that doesn’t mean kids aren’t welcome too.

For many visitors, the day is a family affair. Middleboro resident Laurie Leitao said she has been coming to Sip and Stroll for several years and brought her granddaughters, including Elizabeth, 7.

“I just love the vendors, everything is homemade, homegrown,” Leitao said. “Lorna [Brunelle] is awesome, and it’s just a great thing to have available close by.”

Elizabeth said her favorite part of attending was getting to spend time with her grandmother.

One vendor, Eileen Mulvihill, also credited Brunelle as a reason she enjoys coming to the event. Mulvihill, who sells non-alcoholic pickles infused with cocktail-inspired flavors, has been vending at Sip and Strolls since November 2024.

“Lorna [Brunelle] does a really good job advertising, it’s probably one of the best organized and advertised events that I've seen around in the area,” Mulvihill said.

She said it has also given her a chance to connect with Middleboro small businesses and create partnerships. Through her presence over the last year, she has gotten her products on the shelves of two area stores.

“I’ve met business owners who are in Middleboro who started using my pickles at their store too, so it’s kind of nice to see that little connection.”