Tue, 10/10/2023 - 09:29 am

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER

Around 2,500 people showed up for the 2023 Fall Foliage Festival at Boothbay Railway Village despite inclement weather on the first day. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Nick Wilson and his son Dylan enjoy the festival. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

The Kevork family, from Massachusetts, has been coming to the festival for around 13 years. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Kim Brauer of Barter’s Island and Poppy the dog. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

The Woodchucks were raffling off one cord of wood at the festival entrance. Last year, the organization gave 73 cords of firewood to community members in need. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Dana Wilson and Kay Wilder raise funds for Boothbay Historical Society. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Around 2,500 people showed up for the 2023 Fall Foliage Festival at Boothbay Railway Village despite inclement weather on the first day. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Nick Wilson and his son Dylan enjoy the festival. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

The Kevork family, from Massachusetts, has been coming to the festival for around 13 years. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Kim Brauer of Barter’s Island and Poppy the dog. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

The Woodchucks were raffling off one cord of wood at the festival entrance. Last year, the organization gave 73 cords of firewood to community members in need. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Dana Wilson and Kay Wilder raise funds for Boothbay Historical Society. FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

Heavy rains over the weekend did not stop the 55th annual Fall Foliage Festival, and may have brought out the best in people. Around 2,500 visitors came to Boothbay Railway Village to celebrate the season with live music, vendors and family activities Oct. 7 and 8.

“Despite all of the weather challenges, it was just a spectacular weekend,” said festival coordinator Lori Reynolds. “The vendors all showed up with a smile and were ready to go after it no matter what the weather was. And everybody's attitude was great.”

In total, 70 vendors from around Maine and New England came to sell their art, woodworking, food and other festive goods. There were also kids’ activities including a pumpkin hunt, pumpkin art and face painting. In addition, the museum grounds were open for visitors to explore the region’s history, ride the railway and enjoy antique cars and other vehicles.

Reynolds said visitors represented almost every state in the country, and some came from as far as South Africa. Reynolds even talked to someone who came for their 42nd year in a row.

The first day had several inches of rain that did not stop around 700 people from enjoying the festival. However, Reynolds said more rough weather came overnight and took down or destroyed several tents. As the weather turned sunny on Sunday morning, vendors and organizers came together to regroup and help one another get ready for the day.

“It's easy on a beautiful sunny weekend to make it all happen, but when there's extra challenges like that and you watch everybody just come out and bring their A-game and do it, it's inspiring,” Reynolds said. “It goes to show that you know we all can rise to a challenge and work together.”