On Sept. 22, Westfield kicked off the fall season with its annual FestiFall, celebrating local businesses and community spirit.
FestiFall, a tradition since 1990, is hosted by the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce. This year community members filled Central Avenue and Quimby Street with lively activities and pop-up shops.
After last year’s event was cut short by rain, locals were eager to return this year. With more than 125 vendors, FestiFall offered something for everyone as local jewelers, artists, fitness businesses and information booths lined the streets. Food trucks served an array of options, from empanadas to Italian sausage.
Additionally, live music was a hit, featuring student bands from the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts sharing the stage with established performers like Monkey Wrench, Flannel and Lace and Big Horse. “We have been playing here for the past three to four years and I think it is a great opportunity for the community to come together,” said WHS senior Sloan Dossin, a performer with the workshop.
FestiFall also catered to children with face painting, henna tattoos and a designated KidZone including rides, games and inflatables. One booth, Dinosaurs Arise, featured an interactive life-size dinosaur that walked around the festival.
While Festifall was complete with fun and games, some vendors were dedicated to important social issues. Amy Lewis, health educator for the Westfield Regional Health Department, called the event a “great success” for its outreach on youth mental health during a day of “good weather, good food and good music.” She ran a booth for the Town of Westfield where kids answered questions about mental health and received prizes.
The event proved once again why it is a staple of the Westfield experience, providing valuable exposure to local businesses and helping them connect with larger audiences. Lewis said, “We are proud to have a table here at FestiFall.”