DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.

 

The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center. 

 

The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents. 

 

"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager. 

 

The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.

 

The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.

 

It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event. 

 

The event is a microcosm of the town itself, reflecting the town's identity as a close-knit, multigenerational, and civically proud New England community, Venezia and Ingram said. 

 

The event will kick off with opening remarks at 11 a.m., followed by a performance from local outlaw country and classic rock musician Brian Benlien. 

 

Remarks from Mark will take place at 12:15 p.m., followed by performances from classic rock, folk, and country band Pug and John, and Irish dancers. Davis will speak at 2:30 p.m., followed by a performance by singer-songwriter Jack Waldheim.

 

The day will also feature a balloon artist, face painting, and local vendors, including Crafts by Ruth, Creative Creations, Helping Hands Creations, Hid In Gems, Sassy Sam's, Slater Crafted, Sure Thing Stained Glass, and many more. 

 

In addition to that, visitors can explore tables from community organizations including the Beautification Committee, Crane Museum of Papermaking, Lion's Club, Community Recreation Association, the Historical Commission, and more. 

 

The event will also have food and drinks from Kelly's Package Store, Porta Via, Shire Tavern, and Zinky's Pub. 

 

During its year break, residents missed the opportunity to engage with each other, community members, municipal employees, Ingram and Venezia said. 

 

"We heard that town committees missed the opportunity to share with residents what they do and how to get involved," they said. 

 

This year the event is sponsored by the town and state Cultural Council, in addition to local businesses including Zinky's Pub, Kelly's Package Store, and the Shire Tavern.