THE WEST NEWBURY SUMMER FESTIVAL IS WAITING IN THE WINGS
By Bernie Marvin
THE WEST NEWBURY SUMMER FESTIVAL IS WAITING IN THE WINGS FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 8. PLANNERS SURE KNOW HOW TO HAVE SOME GOOD FUN!
Well, it is that time of the year to see what the Kidders and other Newbury stalwarts have planned for the upcoming West Newbury Summer Festival. As in past years, the program lists many fun events throughout the Tucker Mountain, West Newbury Church, and Hall areas.
The big day starts early with some delicious treats including coffee, juice, and muffins, exhibits, and live music at the West Newbury Congregational Church. There will be a 5K run at Tucker Mountain, starting at 8:30 AM in the East Parking lot.
There will also be live music, and a white elephant sale will be held. Folks there tell me that a silent auction and Anita's Picnic will feature pulled pork and coleslaw sandwiches, corn on the cob, watermelon, drinks, and much more at the West Newbury Hall.
There will be other music and entertainment events in the area.
This year's theme for the West Newbury Summer Festival is "Red, White, and Blue," with the parade gathering on Tyler Farm Road and stepping off at 10:30 AM sharp. The folks who plan these parades have a lot of fun creating themes; for instance, several years ago "Love Your Mother Earth" was the thrust, and festival programs were dedicated to the protection and love of Mother Earth.
Organizer Kathy Kidder said that all of West Newbury and surrounding areas appreciate all of the events of the Newbury Summer Festival, but the parades hold a special place in their hearts. After the parade, people can stroll through the village to take in everything on offer, including past vehicle displays, many local floats, decorated vehicles, bikes, and the popular Summertime Marching Band, with others celebrating the day's events.
Other events in the church and historical society have included, in the past, wonderful photo shows and artifact displays from the old days of Newbury, farming, vegetable growing, crafts, and all kinds of magnificent artwork.
The Newbury Historical Society was open, and a large white-elephant sale was underway throughout the day in West Newbury Hall. That is always the center of attention for people visiting the area to take part in the West Newbury Summer Festival. They love to browse through the amazing selection of White Elephant selections.
The past several years have seen many visitors attend these wonderful festivals; the weather has been outstanding, and the crowds have been heavy, all enjoying the full assortment of programs available during the festival. It's always fun at the end of the parade when the band assembles in front of the church and treats everyone to a mini-band concert with their lively music. The entire event is a fun showcase of real local programs and talent that come together each year to produce this West Newbury event, which attracts so much attention along the short stretch of Tyler Farm Road.
See you there!
One of the West Newbury Summer Festival organizers, Tom Kidder, hitches a ride on a bee pollinator float that was featured in a past West Newbury Summer Festival Parade. The parade has a reputation for its creative themes and floats. The parade will be featured along Tyler Farm Road in West Newbury on Saturday, August 8, 2026, stepping off at 10:30AM. The theme this year is “Red, White and Blue.” The Bridge Weekly file/Bernie Marvin