Return of Lilac Family Fun Festival set for July 9

The festival will include free kiddie carnival rides, games, food trucks and vendors from all over the region. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Town Charter, the city announced the return of the Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks this summer.

The combination event will take place at Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center on July 9 from 4-9 p.m.

There will be free kiddie carnival rides, games, food trucks, vendors from all over the region, family friendly activities, live entertainment, and much more. The night will conclude a fireworks display.

"After two years of Covid, we need a reason to get together, have fun with our families, and celebrate our history," said Mayor Paul Callaghan. "2022 marks the 300th Anniversary of Rochester's Town Charter and our way of honoring that occasion is to revive the Lilac Family Fun Festival. We hope our vendors will run with that '300' theme and offer activities that acknowledge the anniversary in some way."

It should be noted that, while rides and entertainment are in large part free to attendees, the event is funded by Rochester taxpayers.

The festival originally ran from 1993 to 2008, according to a press release from City Hall.

Since parking is limited, COAST will be offering a free shuttle service for several downtown spots, including City Hall, Bank of America, and a temporary stop on Columbus Ave. near the Opera House/Police Department. Organizers encourage attendees to find parking downtown and take advantage of the pick-up and drop-off locations.

Event organizers are actively accepting vendor applications but space is limited. A vendor packet is available online. Contact Nicole Lee at (603) 332-4120 for general inquiries.

Visit www.RochesterNH.net/fun for more event information, an up-to-date list of vendors and activities, and to download a vendor application.