Despite Changing The Date, Belmont Town Day Still Brings Out The Crowd

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Another great Town Day in Belmont

Gerry wasn’t worried.

Gerry, as in Gerry Dickhaut, the owner of Champions Sporting Goods in the heart of Belmont Center, wasn’t worried about the reminiscence of hurricanes washing out the day, or the Labor Day three-day holiday syphoning away residents and especially the surge of the Covid-19 Delta-variant – the reason for the date change – turning businesses away.

The Belmont Center Business Association annual Town Day was going to happen on Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Period.

And under a cloudless, sparkling late summer sky, the 30th edition of Town Day turned out to be just what Belmont ordered.

“I’ve been here since 6 a.m. directing the set up,” said Dickhaut, sitting in front of his sports store on Leonard Street. He said he had to give special thanks to the crew from the Department of Public Works “who’ve been in the center since 5:30 a.m. working closely with me to get everything (setting up tables, placing garbage cans, getting rides placed in the proper locations) done on time.”

While there was a slightly fewer table and eateries – no hot dogs or sausages this year! – the crowds came out with many youngsters having a last weekend of fun and games before the school year begins. There was the robot that captured ball then launched them into the air, carnival rides, food, tables manned by non-profits or businesses making a profit, bouncy castles and kids getting to see the inside of fire trucks.

“And the band’s good,” said Dickhaut, who once again sponsored the dunk tank. “As long as the band’s good.”

Belmont Town Day Set For A Late Summer Return

By 2 Comments

Photo: The return of Town Day is coming in September.

After a postponement and an expected delay, Belmont’s long-running Town Day celebration is returning to Belmont Center although a bit later than its usual time.

The Select Board voted on Monday, June 21 to approve a request by the Belmont Center Business Association to hold the 30th annual Belmont Town Day on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Leonard Street in the hub of the its business center.

Residents and visitors can expect the usual attractions: a dog contest (Belmont’s version of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show), kiddy rides, carnival games and food, a dunk tank, business and groups tables, food for sale and the like.

Due to Belmont’s austerity budget, town services such as police and fire details and DPW crews, will now be paid by the sponsors. Select Board member Mark Paolillo did ask if the business association would be responsible for cleaning up at the conclusion of the pony ride, which Town Administrator Patrice Garvin said they would be.

“Maybe they have been fertilizing the grass and that’s why it’s been growing really well,” said Paolillo.