Celebrate Spring On Cape Cod

by Vera Thornton

BREWSTER IN BLOOM
When: May 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2008
Where: Brewster, MA

The picturesque sea captain's town of Brewster is celebrating its 22nd annual Brewster In Bloom festival this year. Over 100,000 daffodils bloom at this time each year providing a colorful backdrop to a weekend of fun. The event includes something for everyone . . . food, golf, history, a 5K run, an evening of swing dancing, and a parade, too! The weekend celebration is a heart-warming example of the strong sense of community to be found on Cape Cod, as many events benefit the elderly. Many thanks to Michael Divito, the event organizer, for all the information he so graciously forwarded to me.

Friday, May 2
Throughout the day there will be open houses and receptions throughout the town as homeowners and businesses alike open their doors to the public. Check out the following retail shops for special goings-on:

Blue Jacket Gallery and Studios
The Handcraft House
Struna Galleries



8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Captain’s Golf Course, 1000 Freeman’s Way, will hold Closest to the Pin Contests on each day. Every player on the green will receive a golf ball prize or a restaurant gift certificate! For more information call Stoughton Ellsworth at (508) 896-6058

2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ice Cream Social at the Council on Aging, 1673 Main Street

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Chowder Fest at EPOCH Assisted Living at Brewster Place, 855 Harwich Road. Free Chowder Dinner (chowder, beverage, and dessert) and music.


7:00 p.m.
The Brewster Band will perform at Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main Street.



Saturday, May 3

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
An Antique and Collectibles show happens at Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main Street.

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Closest to the Pin Contest, Captain’s Golf Course.

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The KidFest at the Laurel School features Arts & Crafts, Bloom-O-Lympics, and bake, plant, and book sales. Access is only via the shuttle buses from The Ocean Edge Resort parking lot at 2907 Main Street.

10:00 a.m.
A road race starts the day for fitness buffs: the 5K Bloom Run begins at the Brewster Inn and Chowder House, and loops through town, with the finish line at the Woodshed, 1993 Main Street.

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A juried Craft Fair with 85 exhibitors is held at the Cape Cod Sea Camps, 3057 Main Street.



1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A Chowder Tasting takes place in the afternoon at JT’s restaurant at 2689 Main Street . What better way to get a little “taste” of the Cape?

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ocean Edge Resort, Bay Pines Pavilion, 2907 Main Street
‘Swing into Spring’ Big Band Dance, featuring the Moonlighters, a 16-piece swing band. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. It is always a sell-out, so purchase tickets in advance. Tickets: $20.00
Available in advance at the Visitor Center, 2198 Main Street (508) 896-3500 and at the door the night of the event.

Sunday, May 4

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The popular Historic Inn Tour takes place on Sunday, where you will have the opportunity to visit these five charming lodging spots, several of which were formally sea captain's homes. A $10 admission fee provides entrance to all inns.

The Candleberry Inn - 1882 Main Street
The Captain Freeman Inn - 15 Breakwater Road
The Old Manse Inn - 1861 Main Street
The Isaiah Clark House - 1187 Main Street
Brewster By The Sea - 716 Main Street



1:00 p.m.
The Brewster In Bloom Parade, described by the festival organizers as “the brightest flower of the week-end” starts at Underpass Road and travels west along Main Street. This year’s theme is “Brewster History Comes Alive”, says Julie Deloye, one of the parade coordinators, and will have up to 75 units, including music and beautiful floats. “It’s all about community,” says Julie, “and lots of people have been putting on their thinking caps for this one”. Bigger, better, and more surprises - and the lovely Daffodil Queen will be waving to the crowds!

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Closest to the Pin Contest, Captain’s Golf Course.


Brewster In Bloom is organized by the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade, and The Brewster in Bloom Committee.

For more information, please call (508) 896-3500.

Photo credit: Mary Sidlevicz