Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,614)

Crowds turned out for the annual Old Port Festival despite windy weather, chilly temperatures and the possibility of rain all day. Most of the  stores on  Exchange Street were closed for the event, but those remaining open appeared to be busy.  Sherman’s Books was busy.  Some folks said they did not know of the Festival. and came from elsewhere to enjoy the Old Port. Depending on which vendor you spoke with there were varying reports of good business or poor business. Many said the crowds were smaller than last year because of the weather.

Fred Nolan, 73, said his business has been located at the corner of Fore and Exchange Streets for at least fifteen years.  Prior to that, he was located at other sites in the area during the 43 year old Festival.  After 5:00 pm., he was not allowed to sell any more French fries.  So, he was giving them away rather than throw them away. “People get angry at me when we can’t sell them, so we give them away.”

Originally, from East Boston he’s lived in this area for about twenty-seven years.  “It took me five years of high school and four years of summer school to graduate from high school,” he said.  “I guess I was a slow learner, but I did get through.” Once he was the “Slush King” – Italian ice –  but no one knows what that is anymore.  Nolan said his business had been very good today.

Emily Cook and Chase Jackson attended the Old Port Festival for a large part of the day.  “People are out enjoying themselves as are we,” said Jackson.  “It’s a great day for the community.”  So far their only purchase had been coffee at a Bard Coffee tent in front of its store front.  (See above left photo..)