Families flock to free fun fall festival

MATTAPOISETT — Trucks carrying dozens of children and parents could be seen driving around Mattapoisett Center on Saturday, Oct 28 during the Mattapoisett Lions Club’s seventh annual Fall Free Family Fun Festival at Shipyard Park.

The festival had a variety of different activities for children including pumpkin bowling, fortune telling and face painting.

The main attraction for many children was the opportunity to go on a hayride around the streets of Mattapoisett.

The extended flatbeds of two trucks from Salty Dog Ranch were used to bring families around the waterfront area.

Nine-year-old Lucas Flye was in attendance dressed as his favorite character, Luffy, from the television show “One Piece”.

“I like all of the candy and I liked the hayride,” said Flye.

Mattapoisett Lions Club board member and former president Kimberly Ray played a large role in the creation of this event in 2016.

“I had an idea to create a day for families where no matter their financial status they could come out and enjoy a lovely fall day,” said Ray.

According to Ray, the planning for this year's event was a complete team effort.

“A lot of communication goes into planning, a lot of Lions like to help with this event because it is so fun,” she said.

Current Mattapoisett Lions Club President Lynne Foley said the event is “very satisfying when you are giving back to the community, to be able to see the growing families come out is a good feeling.”

Lions Club District 33-S Governor Deborah Horner was also in attendance, accompanied by Golden Retriever Luna, who is a therapy dog in the club’s Paws of Comfort program.

“Mattapoisett is one of our great clubs because of the people here and the service they provide,” said Horner.