A cherished summertime tradition returns in Padanaram Village on Saturday, July 26, as the Padanaram Summer Festival looks to bring a full day of fun to the historic harborfront from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organized by the Padanaram Business Association, the event will feature tons of artisan vendors offering everything from handmade products to original artwork. All vendors are carefully vetted, and many are familiar faces, with about 60% having participated for five years or more, said Molly Armando of Tides Real Estate, one of the lead organizers.

Each year, local businesses get in on the fun, setting up sidewalk sales, free giveaways and pop-up treats to help draw shoppers in. Some highlights this year include free snow cones and cornhole at Anne Whiting Real Estate, balloon creations at EF Cost Recovery and a mini lobster roll station outside the Sail Loft.

A highlight of the festival is the Kids Zone, open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the top of Elm Street near Gibson Sotheby’s. This year marks a record number of young participants, with 30 children signed up to sell their wares — from handmade crafts to imaginative creations. For $25, kids get a vendor spot and a chance to test their entrepreneurial skills. 

Recalling one boy in a previous year who made space art with spray paint, Armando said, "It’s so, so cool to see these kids doing something. I wish I had something like this when I was a kid.”

Festival-goers can also enjoy live music and performances throughout the day:

• 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Toka’s Friends showcases military service dogs and hosts an animal adoption event at the Milbury parking lot.
• 10:30 a.m. – Motion Dance Studio performs at the corner of Bridge and Elm.
• 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. – The always-popular Toe Jam Puppet Band performs at Gibson Sotheby’s, which is 384 Elm Street.
• 12:00 p.m. – Dancer’s Edge brings energy to the same Bridge and Elm intersection.
• 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – The Milbury Dog Show returns for its second year, featuring everything from wagging tails to advocacy.
• 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – DJ Anj Kepinski spins music at 338 Elm Street to keep the energy up in the afternoon.

For kids 10 and under, Dockside Ice Cream will hand out free kiddie cones between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., while the Village Sweet Shoppe offers mystery candy grab bags. Adults can take advantage of sidewalk and tent sales, raffles and giveaways from more than 20 village businesses.