AMESBURY — The Live Well Amesbury Festival returns in September with food, music and more, allowing locals to enjoy a day of stress-free fun.
The popular festival began in 2019 and was previously hosted by the Friends of the Amesbury Council on Aging. This year, the Amesbury Lions Club will be taking the reins.
Event organizer Charlene Dolan said the number of people attending has grown with more than 800 people at the 2024 event.
The festival takes place Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers the chance to interact with local organizations providing health and wellness resources.
Those interested can also enjoy rock painting, massage tables, face painting and more at the family-friendly event.
Dolan said the message of the event became increasingly relevant after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We started this event before COVID, and COVID really underscored the importance of building community connections, and maintaining those and making sure people are aware of what resources are available to help them when certain issues arise,” she said.
Dolan said the event is free, allowing people of all economic backgrounds to enjoy the festival.
“What we did is we planned an event that was basically at no cost to anyone, so that all people can participate equally regardless of their financial circumstances,” she said.
Dolan said the Greater Amesbury community has responded well to the cost-free nature of the event and what it offers.
“I think people are just really excited that they can go somewhere, be part of a community event and have it be something that is easy to manage as a family and just enjoy the time there and the music and not have it cost a lot to do that,” she said.
Christine Moore, a member of the festival’s organization committee, said the event is a way for locals to feel supported by local organizations.
“I think it’s critical to the community because the people in the community need to know that the city is behind them,” she said.
Dolan said after years of organizing the event, she still enjoys watching the bonds formed between people and participating local organizations.
“I think it really is the connections and seeing people make connections. To be there and share the event with friends and neighbors, but also to make new friends and also establish new connections with other organizations and people in the community. Because as COVID underscored, that’s just critical for all of us,” she said.
Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove called the festival an “important community gathering that celebrates health, wellness and connection.”
“Organizers always deliver a robust program bringing together organizations, health care providers and valuable community resources to inspire and help our residents lead healthier, more balanced lives,” Gove said.