Hundreds Turn Out for Fishawack Fun

Hundreds of people gathered in the center of Chatham Saturday to enjoy the Fishawack Festival festivities.

"We come to Fishawack every year," said Kristin Bogue, who spoke for many in the community. "We love it."

The entire day was full of activities, rides, crafts and games. People shopped at vendor tables, and local downtown shops hosted sidewalk sales. It kicked off with an early morning footrace (check out our photo gallery here).

"It's very nice to have a booth outside for a change from inside of our store," said Chatham Sport Shop owner Terry McCabe. "Lots of folks around seem to be enjoying the vendors and everything they have to offer, so it worked out to be a great day."

While enjoying the community fun, people watched—and in some cases, danced to—live music from several community bands. Some also looked on as borough volunteers were honored for their service.

It looked like rain by late morning, but as the sun came out and caught some people  by surprise, there were plenty of vendor tables selling hats and sunglasses for those who were not prepared.

Several business tables donated proceeds of their sales to their favorite charities.  Other tables were specifically there as a fundraiser, such as the "Great American Bake Sale" table. Chatham neighbors got together and baked cookies, brownies, muffins and cupcakes to sell, and donated all of the money to the "Share Our Strength Charity" to benefit hungry children in America. 

One unique table had natural handmade soaps made from goat's milk. Brand new business owner Tracey Palmer of Secret Garden Soap of Madison makes soaps from all natural ingredients, such as fresh goat's milk. She raises goats and chickens in her own backyard and makes her soaps right at home. No one, according to her children, has had to do the weird chores that they've had to do.

The crowd began to taper off throughout the day as businesses began to pack up and go home, but business owners said this was one of the largest turnouts they've ever seen for the typically biennial festival (starting this year, it will be annual). And the bands continued to play, long into the warm evening.

The video above documents what some local youths had to say about Fishawack.

Stay tuned — later in the day we'll have many more photos and additional articles up from Fishawack.

Download the movie