by Margo Callaghan

What started six years ago as a means for Shelburne businesses to promote themselves, has grown into a Town-wide celebration. Saturday's Shelburne Day proved to be just that. The event was again organized by the Shelburne Business and Professional Association (SBPA). And again the day was filled with sunshine and bright smiles from residents and visitors alike as they strolled among vendor tables that also included the Farmers Market stands. Besides activities on the Town Green, Shelburne merchants had organized the hugely popular town sidewalk sale which helped draw people into town.

According to Tod Whitaker, who heads up the SBPA and organized the event, "it was as close to perfect as it gets! We had record crowds and all went smoothly. I really have to thank Nick Cowles for getting the music lined up for the day. It was outstanding."

Besides live music and the Farmers Market, exhibitors included the Town's Fire, Rescue, and Police departments, each of whom were set up with kid-friendly, interactive exhibits. One of the most popular stands for the younger set was the "Face Mania" table, that offered imaginative, colorful face painting. Shelburne Farms supplied farm animals, and Waldorf School supplied bubbles and crafts.

The adults had the chance to interact with some local and state politicians who were on hand for the day. Representatives from the Town's Dog Park Committee manned a table to promote their project and answer questions. The Shelburne police offered parents the opportunity to finger print their children, as a safety measure that would help the police in case of a missing child. The Charlotte Shelburne Rotary Club set up grills and sold hamburgers, hotdogs, and roasted corn, with proceeds benefiting the Hands to Honduras program.

According to SBPA member David Palmer, who assisted in organizing the event, "all the vendors I spoke with felt the day gave them a great opportunity to showcase their businesses. And the weather didn't hurt!"