Residents Enjoy Vendors, Food and Fireworks at Main Street USA
By Robin Vinci | Editor at September 22, 2023 | 6:00 pm | Print
Thousands of people enjoyed Main Street USA Saturday which featured food vendors, entertainment, helicopter rides and fireworks.
This month City Journal asked our Facebook group, “What was your favorite thing about Main St USA and what would you like to see added?”
Most had great things to say about the event.
“The number of food vendor options this year was fantastic,” said Kati Mercier. “A judged art/craft show would be fun.
“Favorite thing - seeing people enjoy themselves,” said Sharon Beloin-Saavedra. “Wonderful selection of food!”
Todd Davis Cheney said, “I loved how many food trucks there were and the fact that there were 2 stages for music. I’d hope in the future to see more vendors, maybe a 3rd stage for music. I’d like the festival to have an overall larger footprint in the park and a bit more entertainment geared towards the 20s/30s crowd.”
“Kids zone and food trucks were great.,” said James Whalen. “The outdoor cafe feel was nice too. It was fantastic overall.”
“Performances by our youth! More School choral groups, bands etc..” said Cheryl Blogoslawski.
Karen Russo Piorkowski said, “I think it’s better the way it was on Main Street. There was a lot of vendors. I didn’t see but 1 vendor. I miss the old way but i do have to say there is way more room so it evens out.”
“I would like to see Main Street USA return to Main Street,” said Joe Shilinga. “Not wishing for old New Britain. I am looking to revitalize downtown and moving Main Street USA back to Main Street will help enliven our community and help local businesses.”
“I would like to see some craft vendors. They had such a variety when it was on Main Street,” said Betty Leone Nadeau
Alice Manulla said, “Helicopter ride! Can’t beat that price!”
Haley Amber Belanger said. “We are in New Britain yet there was not one Polish vendor, which was very upsetting to me. Also, there wasn’t much to do for the in between ages. Kids had the kids zone and adult enjoyed the music. What about things like crafts tables, karaoke, etc. Things that don’t cost money that EVERYONE can enjoy.”
“Where were all our local organizations to represent New Britain?” said Bushra Tawfik. “Bring it back to Main Street. I thought last year was much better.”
“Carnival rides don’t require that much open space,” said Mike Smith. “They can fit many rides into a school or church parking lot without issues so putting a few in the park would be ok.”
Marion Pruzan Fischbein said, “More vendors. Food trucks were great. More civic organizations with booths. Maybe a craft show. Love it in the park. Maybe someday it can go all the way around!”
“Make it a two day event ,” said Arnold Schwartz.
“Dancing after the fireworks was so fun. I would like to see the petting zoo come back. Me and the kids love animals and we missed them,” said Shawna Rose.
“Oh my goodness where do I begin! It was very good. I would like to see different ethic food vendors,” said Tracy Ellison Green. “The best part was seeing folks from New Britain different ages, races and cultures come together and have a great time. Folks were dancing with the bands, eating, laughing, and the kids playing. This is the New Britain I remember and why I chose to stay here. The fireworks were great too!
Carol Maikowski said. “I agree with making it a two day event too. It was so much fun. I would have loved to have seen a Polish food booth. How about a talk on New Britain, or a slide show where people can sit and watch an old slide show on New Britain and what places used to be here. Definitely turn it into a two day event.”
“Definitely food vendors from every corner of this city, carnival rides/games,” said Sal Germano. “I believe bringing more into the park will bring more families. There’s a mile worth of park to have something big. Go big or go home.”
