In the News
Cohasset Day is Child's Play
By Linda Fechter,
September 4, 2009
The countdown begins. The 2nd annual Cohasset Day is one week from tomorrow, Sept. 12th from 12:30 – 6 p.m. and there will be something for everyone from age 1 to 100. The downtown will be closed to vehicular traffic and all will be encouraged to stroll through the stores and browse and shop the sidewalk tables that will be lining the streets. The village is not the only site of Cohasset Day. All are encouraged to head over to the Common for some good ole’ fashioned fun.
“Generally speaking what we’re trying to do is make the kids aspect of Cohasset Day filled with old fashioned spirit, like that of a true hometown fair,” says Thom Powers, who with along wife Christine, who works at Caldwell Banker (sponsor of the dunk tank), and serve as co-coordinators of Kids Games on the Common for Cohasset Day.
“We wanted it to be time off from video games and electronics. We want kids and adults to roll up their sleeves and participate in the tug of war and three legged races. Fun…pure and simple.”
The Powers have planned a “back to basics” afternoon for the kids including hometown games like a dunk tank to drench the “lucky” volunteer who will be perched above the water waiting for some great throwing arms to send him or her to the watery depths of the tank (if younger arms are not strong enough, running up and pushing the lever with both hands is also effective.). There are also smaller, sweeter activities for the youngest among us, like eating a Dunkin’ Donut from a string. For some of the older kids it will be smooth sailing on the duck pond, which is newly cleaned courtesy of the local boy scouts. The pond will actually be filled with several rowboats for kids to use and possibly have relay races in. According to Thom Powers, last year the boats served as a great photo opportunity for a bride and groom who were married at a church on the common that afternoon.
“Touch a Truck” is always a hit and will be located in the Town Hall parking lot. Among the touchable vehicles will be a fire engine, squad car, fire truck and an ambulance all accompanied by Cohasset’s finest who can help explain the vehicles purpose to the kids. A dump truck and backhoe will also be parked for all to see…and touch.
Parents take note…there is one significant change to the schedule of events. The kid’s Duathlon has been cancelled.
“In the interest of our children’s safety”, said Bill Burnett. “I feel its best that we cancel the event this year.....please be assured we will definitely be back next year.”
The route, which was to include the streets around the Common will not be fully paved in time for the event and poses a significant hazard to young athletes. Burnett — organizer of the run, bike, run — along with Peter Brown and the Cohasset Day Committee, made the decision to remove the Duathlon from the full kid’s menu of Cohasset Day activities.
All the moving parts that make this day happen are being finalized and the excitement is building thanks to the beautiful posters, banners and brochures designed and produced by Twist Creative Group. The husband and wife team of Joyce Whitman and Keith Conforti of Cohasset have created a “brand” that will be as lasting and memorable as this new town tradition.
As the day draws nearer, residents are encouraged to go to Darilynn’s, French Memories in Cohasset Village or Stop & Shop (Cohasset) to purchase tickets for the Fine Food Galore event — an event within the overall Cohasset Day-which will take place from 4-6 p.m. on South Main Street in the Village. This gastronomic aspect of Cohasset Day, which includes local fare by more than 23 local eateries, is the only one for which there is a fee.
Every other Cohasset’s Day activity can be considered “priceless” — the fun and camaraderie of being among familiar and new faces will come free. In addition there will be a parade procession down Main Street featuring the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Decorated Bike Parade, Decorated Dog Parade, music from the Rusty Skippers and local sports teams and groups all coming together to march and show their town pride. There will also be a special Saturday edition of the Farmer’s Market and Historic Society buildings will be free and open to the public.Everyone is invited to come learn more about Cohasset’s rich history.
The South Shore Art Center will be featuring Our Towns: Scene & Unseen an exhibition showing almost 90 works that capture the beauty, light, and inspirations of the South Shore. During the day, artist demonstrations and class “samplers’ will be ongoing at the Art Center and throughout the village. Please plan to attend the opening reception for Our Towns, on Cohasset Day, Sept. 12 from 6-8 p.m. Artists interested in demonstrating throughout the village should contact dkennedy@ssac.org
Another main attraction for many on Saturday the 12th will be the 2nd annual Classic Car Concours. Public viewing and people’s choice awards judging will take place after the cars cruise down Main Street. Details on that and some featured cars will appear in next week’s Mariner, along with more details about the much anticipated Fashion Show which will feature clothes from all three of Cohasset’s boutiques including Ports, Pink Tulip and Wendy’s Closet..
Bells will be ringing on Cohasset Day courtesy of resident Mary Kennedy from 12 – 1 p.m... The beautiful music of St. Stephen’s world class carillon is one of the things that make our town so unique. Other music will include the Jackson Weatherbee Band and Drift Away with J. Place.
Cohasset Day is a joint initiative of the Cohasset Chamber of Commerce and the Cohasset Economic Development Committee. Donations will be made to the Council on Elder Affairs, the Cohasset Food Pantry and the American Legion.
