Midsummer Memories of a Magnificent Day … and Night

Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival 2016 began Friday evening when the sun came out after torrential rain earlier in the day …

Concert-goers gathered on the grounds on the Florence Griswold Museum to picnic, visit and await the performance by ‘The Voice’ finalist Braiden Sunshine …

Some decided the Lieutenant River was the perfect spot to listen the music …

The aptly-named Braiden Sunshine and his band gave a terrific performance …

And then it was on to Saturday, which kicked off with the Hawaii-5.0 road race. Almost 300 runners competed in the 5K event, despite the intense heat and humidity …

All along Lyme Street, there were things to see —  including these weavers at the Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc.

… things to do … Scout Cushman posed delightfully in front of the community sculpture at Studio 80, on which people were adding their own designs …

… and things to eat and drink — the lemonade stand at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds was a happy family affair.

A new feature at the Festival this 30th anniversary year was the more than 30 vendors and a stage on which numerous youth musicians played in the field across from Lyme Academy College.  The vendors and performances were hosted by the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce.

The en plein air market at the Florence Griswold Museum was full of everything you can imagine, from flowers and fruit …

… to jewels and jewelry.

Reggae music was the order of the day outside the John Sill House at Lyme Academy College …

And down on the lawn in front of Center School, the fence artists displayed their work and drew customers galore.

Back at Studio 80, another new two-part event happened, first a fashion show by designers Susan Hickman and Anna Lucas followed by an incredible dance/acrobatic display by The Magnaterrestrials.

And this very special day in the Old Lyme calendar ended with a bang when — despite the threat of rain —  the Town hosted another spectacular fireworks display for all to enjoy!