LEBANON — LebFest, the city’s annual free autumn celebration, returns to Colburn Park this Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Sept. 20).
Organized by the Upper Valley Business Alliance and Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks, nearly 100 booths will feature games, crafts, raffles, and food. There’s plenty to fill a fun Saturday, including live performances by the Lebanon High School Marching Band and the VoxStars mixed-voice chorus.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the 6th annual LebFest Mac & Cheese Competition invites participants to sample homemade mac & cheese from local restaurants including Poor Thom’s Tavern, Salt hill Pub, K&P Catering, and Black Magic Mexican, and vote for the winner of the prized “Mac & Cheese Bowl.”
An addition to tradition: art, climate, and community pride
Local artists are central to the Upper Valley, and this year LebFest will honor creative expression at the Arts Corridor. Co-created by members of the Upper Valley Arts Alliance and featuring AVA Gallery, this new experience will showcase public art installations, LED light displays, and various hands-on activities. Festivalgoers can enjoy photo opportunities, including a surprise work of art designed to help residents celebrate their Lebanon pride.
Sustainability is at the heart of LebFest. A new Climate Corner will bring eco-friendly practices to life with renewable energy demonstrations by ReVision Energy and educational showcases on organic farming and climate change adaptation. A guided bus ride with Advance Transit will help participants learn more about eco-conscious commuting. Festivalgoers can bring water bottles and use the fresh water refill station in the park.
“We are thrilled to expand our footprint with the Arts Corridor and Climate Corner, offering our community new ways to create, learn, and experience our local ‘ce-LEB-brity’ spirit together,” Upper Valley Business Alliance President Morgan Brophy said.
Still the same: a place for family and community
Beyond food, arts and the environment, LebFest will feature an airplane co-built by Lebanon High School students and the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, and a Lebanon Fire Department engine. Five Sisters Farm will bring Shetland sheep, Upper Valley Humane Society will bring puppies available for adoption, and the Lebanon-based Upper Valley Music Center will host its famous instrument petting zoo. Upper Valley favorite Marko the Magician will also perform.
LebFest emphasizes the vibrant spirit of Lebanon and the Upper Valley in an event for the community, by the community. And LebFest passports give participants the chance to win prizes at the event, according to Hannah Falcone of Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks.
“When local partners and neighbors come together, the whole community benefits. LebFest puts Lebanon’s incredible creativity and innovation in the spotlight, showcasing the very best our region has to offer,” said Gordon Boddington, Upper Valley Business Alliance’s marketing and administration manager.