By Suzanne Besser
This Sunday, September 18, marks the fifteenth year the Beacon Hill Civic Association has welcomed residents back to the Hill by throwing a block party on Mt. Vernon Street between Charles and Brimmer streets from noon to four.
This year, though, it’s far more than a block party. It’s new name, Fall HillFest, symbolizes the unique character of the neighborhood and the event itself, according to co-chairs Diana Coldren and Rachel Thurlow who worked with sixteen enthusiastic neighbors to plan the event. “It is a celebration of our neighborhood: its residents, businesses and non profits,” said Coldren. “It’s open to everyone and packed with activities for the whole family.”
And what a celebration it will be. For the first time, a Farmers Market will offer enough dairy products, baked goods, produce, meats and sweets to fill everyone’s shopping needs for the week, while cider donuts, sandwiches and baked goods can satiate hungry appetites throughout the afternoon.
There’ll be no shortage of food here. Tubs of ice cream will be filled by JP Licks and hot dogs grilled by the Charles River Bistro. Over at the Church of the Advent’s Hidden Garden will be an Octoberfest Biergarten, featuring Harpoon beer, bratwurst, knockwurst and potato salad from the Hampshire House and pretzels from Swissbakers. There, avid football fans can cheer on the New England Patriots as their game against Miami Dolphins is streamed live on a large screen beginning at 1 pm.
Back on Mt. Vernon Street, HillFest volunteers will welcome everyone as they arrive. Those who are Beacon Hill Civic Association members will receive a jute bag courtesy of F.H. Perry and door prizes, which is one good reason for those who aren’t to become members that day.
A fire truck from Engine 4, Ladder 24 on Cambridge Street and a Boston Police car will be part of the scene. Dog registration will be available at a City Hall to Go van. There will be a photo booth for those wanting to have fun memorializing the event, and architectural tours led throughout the neighborhood.
A Taste of Beacon Hill drawing will offer dinners for two at the Beacon Hill Bistro, Artu, Paramount, Toscanos, Panificio, Lala Rokh, Bin 26 and Tip Tap Room. Folks can also take chances on another drawing for two window boxes filled with fall plants by the Beacon Hill Garden Club, all courtesy of Gerard’s Garden Center in Lincoln.
Fifteen Beacon Hill nonprofits will entertain children of all ages with a host of activities ranging from coloring and crafts to popsicle stick catapults. The Common Canine will showcase tricks by four-footed neighbors at its annual Dog Show. The very popular used book sale by the Beacon Hill Seminars draws readers from all over the Hill, as does Hill House’s morning pancake breakfast and afternoon athletic tag sale. The Myrtle Street Playground will hold its annual children’s tag sale, and the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum will shake things up a bit in a Zumba class.
For more information or to volunteer to help with the 2016 Fall HillFest, call 617-276-6696 or go to www.bhcivic.org.