Brewster is Blooming for the 38th year: Here's what to know about this year's festival

Frankie Rowley, Cape Cod Times
·4 min read

In 1986, a group of Brewster business owners hatched a plan to bring some brightness to their town once the gloomy Cape Cod winter passed: planting daffodil bulbs with the town along Route 6A.

Now, those daffodils still bloom every spring and the town does, too, as people celebrate Brewster in Bloom, an annual three-day festival at the beginning of May.

“It's time to throw open the doors, the windows and enjoy the air and the bright colors of spring,” Kyle Hinkle, executive director of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, said.

This year marks the 38th annual Brewster in Bloom Festival with festivities taking over the town May 3 to 5.

Brewster is blooming for the 38th year: Here’s what to know about this year’s festivities

As always, a town parade, the fine arts and crafts show, Cape Cod 5 Bloom Run and The Brewster Band’s spring concert will take place alongside other sponsored events from local businesses and museums.

This year, the Brewster Band celebrates its 30th anniversary with the classics during its “Broadway Journey ― 25 Years of Golden Classics” show at 7 p.m. on May 3 at Brewster Baptist Church.

“There'll be some kind of classical kind of pieces from composers then we've got stuff like Hoagy Carmichael and Broadway music,” Steven Stranger, president of The Brewster Band said. “(The) more popular or show tune stuff which people seem to like.”

Town Administrator Peter Lombardi walks with other town employees along the parade route during 2022's Brewster in Bloom Town Parade.
Town Administrator Peter Lombardi walks with other town employees along the parade route during 2022's Brewster in Bloom Town Parade.

The band was formed in 1994 specifically to play the Brewster in Bloom celebration, according to Stranger, and they’re excited to be back on stage for another spring concert.

“We enjoy the performances,” he said. “Then after that, we get back to our regular music and get ready for our summer season.”

Juried arts and crafts show at Bay Property

The festival’s arts and crafts fair returns to its original home at the Bay Property (former Cape Cod Sea Camps) allowing more room for vendors and guests.

The fair begins at 10 a.m. on May 4 and 5 and is free to attend. However, a $5 parking fee will be in place to benefit the Elder Brewster Scholarship Fund.

Danika Douglas runs along the parade route helping to pass out tomato seeds. She was with the Brewster Parent Teacher Organization who had a group walking during the 2022 Brewster in Bloom Town Parade handing out packets of seeds.
Danika Douglas runs along the parade route helping to pass out tomato seeds. She was with the Brewster Parent Teacher Organization who had a group walking during the 2022 Brewster in Bloom Town Parade handing out packets of seeds.

“It's a juried show so we have really good artists who are participating in this,” Hinkle said. “It's a really terrific show. I love it, I have for years, so I highly recommend that.”

The Cape Cod 5 Bloom Run sets off at 10 a.m. on May 4 from the Brewster Inn & Woodshed. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and costs $40 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under. Runners can also register in advance online at www.brewsterma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx/.

Parade features 'Under the Sea' theme

The parade is back with a brand new theme “Enchantment Under the Sea.” The parade is again led by the Highland Light Scottish Pipe Band along with Eddy Elementary’s school band.

The parade sets off from the Eddy Elementary School parking lot at 1 p.m., heading west on Route 6A to Swamp Road.

“It's a hometown parade,” Hinkle said. “We don't have fancy bands and stuff like that. It's the elementary school's band … People line up and they put out their chairs and it's terrific.”

What else is happening at this year’s Brewster in Bloom?

Outside of the festival’s main events, festival sponsors also host their own events. Here are a few to look out for at this year’s festival:

Belmont Farm and Gardens is hosting a pop-up farmstand selling everything from sourdough bread and jams to flowers and herbs at 10 a.m. May 3-5 at the Brewster Ace Hardware (2650 Main St.).

Authors Casey Sherman and Adrienne Brodeur are having book signings on May 4 at the Brewster Bookstore. Sherman will be signing copies of his latest work “A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime” at 11 a.m. and Brodeur will be signing copies of her soon-to-be-released paperback edition of “Little Monsters” at 2:30 p.m.

Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center is having a fundraiser and open house at 11 a.m. on May 4. Meet the center’s horses, take a pony ride, enjoy food and crafts throughout the day and learn about the programs offered. A raffle benefiting the center’s equine assistance programs for people with disabilities will also be held.

Make your own sundae with the Friends of Brewster Seniors at their ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 3 at the Brewster Council on Aging. Sundaes are $2 for adults, $1 for kids.

For a full lineup of events, visit www./brewster-capecod.com/.

Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod spring festival Brewster in Bloom is May 3-5: What to know.