On Saturday, September 19th Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the City of Everett welcomed a crowd of over 3,500 Everett residents and visitors from the greater Boston area to the first annual Village Fest. The Mayor and City partnered with local businesses Night Shift Brewing and Short Path Distillery to present a new exciting take on City Fest, the annual event that was previously set in Everett Square.
Village Fest, sponsored by Wynn Everett, Polar Beverage, Teddie Peanut Butter, Home Depot, Planettran/Avalon Car Service, and Malden Transportation, was a citywide celebration that took place in the up-and-coming “Village Business District,” a niche commercial destination along Santilli Highway. The festival offered delicious tastes from several of Boston’s best food trucks, locally crafted beer and spirits from Night Shift Brewing and Short Path Distillery, and a full lineup of music including internationally acclaimed headlining band, the Wailers.
“The first annual Village Fest proved to be a huge success,” states Mayor DeMaria, “We have never held an event like this before in Everett, it was truly one of a kind. I am happy that people from all over came and visited Everett and shared in the excitement and celebration of all that Everett is and is becoming.”
Some of the area’s best food trucks were on hand at Village Fest offering everything from lobster rolls to fall-off-the-bone BBQ to mushroom sliders, pizza, pasta, hand pies, tacos, egg rolls, homemade ice cream sandwiches and much more. Food trucks included Chowda Heads, Meanie Panini, Frozen Hoagies, Mediterranean Home Cooking, Munch Mobile, North East of the Border, Pasta Pot, Roving Lunchbox, Wow BBQ and Yumm Bai.
Everett’s own Night Shift Brewing and Short Path Distillery were the perfect complement to the food trucks. Night Shift offered over ten flagship and Oktoberfest beers from a Trifecta Belgian Pale Ale to Pfaffenheck, a German-style Pilsner. For those who were seeking cocktails, Short Path Distillery served their signature gin and white rum, and a variety of fun cocktails. Free, non-alcoholic beverages were provided by Polar Beverages.
Co-founder of Night Shift Brewing and Everett resident, Rob Burns stated, “Village Fest far exceeded our expectations. The combination of local businesses, the City of Everett, and the great residents created a truly one-of-a-kind party. We were honored to be a part of the first Village Fest, and hope we can continue to help build the exciting future of our neighborhood. I am prouder than ever to be a resident, homeowner and business owner in Everett.”
Co- founder of Short Path Distillery, Zachary Robinson stated, “Village Fest was the perfect embodiment of Everett and its welcoming and fun community. Short Path Distillery had a fantastic time, and was really glad for the opportunity to meet a vast array of wonderful people from not only Everett, but also all across the surrounding area. We look forward to many more Village Fests to come.”
While enjoying food and drinks attendees danced and listened to fantastic musical performances by amazing Boston-area bands Jalopy, Ripe, Mount Peru, and local favorite led by Village native, George Politis, Rebound. The evening culminated when Mayor DeMaria, and President of Wynn Everett, Robert DeSalvio introduced the headlining act, legendary band, the Wailers.
“Village Fest was a great opportunity to highlight so many of our City’s best assets,” states Mayor DeMaria, “Our city is growing and people outside of Everett are starting to really take notice at how much our community has to offer. My administration will continue to expand and act upon Everett’s immense potential to be the next hot spot in the Greater Boston area. I would like to once again thank Wynn Everett and all the community sponsors for helping make this event a reality.”