A ’10-out-of-10′ rating for the 10th annual Big Bridge Fest
Hartland was once again overflowing with people, all celebrating New Brunswick Day during the last day of the annual Big Bridge Fest on Monday, Aug. 4.
Big Bridge Fest organizer, Shirley Dickinson, says the event was well-attended with approximately 8,000 people cycling in and out throughout the day, 23 food trucks and around 220 vendors.
“We’re proud of Hartland, and things are going well, and a lot bigger crowd from last year. Of course, when you get that many more vendors, there’s going to be more people, right?,” said Dickinson.
A brief power outage caused by the increased number of food trucks this year didn’t dampen the spirit of the event. Dickinson said vendors were cooperative and understanding throughout.
She said car owners started lining up before 6 a.m. to display their rides in the car show.
The weather was “not burning hot” according to Dickinson, which helps prevent dehydration, a concern at summer events. The Kids Zone, which was free of charge, was swarming with children playing under the heavy-duty water sprinkler to cool off from the slight heat.
The vendor booths drew tons of foot traffic and curious shoppers. Rick Jennings of Therapeutic Magnetic Jewellery says the crowd at Big Bridge Fest is always great for business.
“Excellent as usual, I’ve been here for five years. It’s been really good,” said Jennings.
Gayle Hawkes of Handcrafted by Pam, which sells handcrafted jewelry and baked goods, was pleased to see the crowd that swarmed the booth and was happy reconnecting with her community.
“Seeing all kinds of people that I’ve known for years that I haven’t seen for a long time that always come to the market; it’s always great to be around,” said Hawkes.
The day ended with fireworks lighting up the night, putting an end to the 49th consecutive New Brunswick Day.
Each year, the festival does better than the last. A festival that once started with only 60 vendors has grown to be a provincial custom, with vendors and food trucks coming from across the province, and Dickinson is hoping for an even better one next year.
