Lynn Fall Festival features race, music, beer

LYNN – With temperatures predicted to be dropping into the low 60s, fall will be making a comeback just in time for Thursday’s Fall Festival in Central Square.”This is an event that has something for everyone,” said Downtown Lynn Cultural District Director Emily Ruddock. “From pumpkin decorating and mask making to live music and the Harpoon beer tent – and of course the Clock to the Rock 5K race – you won’t want to miss this event.”Raw Art Works will open its doors to handle the mask-making duties, and Big Old Dirty Bucket, what Shelby Morrison, RAW’s head of marketing and communications, called a fun funk band, will take to the stage. There will also be food to help wash down the Harpoon beer.The event is actually a merger of two past Third Thursday events, the Fall Festival and the race, said Ruddock. She credited John Olson, president of Columbia Insurance, for working hard over the last few years to build up the race and keep it on track each year.”We are delighted to continue the tradition,” she said.Ruddock said people have been steadily registering for the race online and by mail, including a lot of first-timers. That speaks well of the district’s efforts to engage more people within Lynn and along the North Shore, she added.The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes a 5K walk as well as the run. The cost for adults is $20, $10 for students. General admission to the Fall Festival is $5 and includes one beer ticket and two food tickets or $10 for four people, which includes two activity tickets and five food tickets. Additional tickets will also be for sale. The party ends at 8:30 p.m.For more information on the event, contact Ruddock at [email protected].