WALLINGFORD — The 30th annual Celebrate Wallingford festival welcomed visitors to the town center on Saturday. Despite overcast skies and some rain, organizers worked throughout the early morning to set up stalls and opened to a healthy crowd.

Despite the gray skies, rain held off for much of the afternoon.  

“It was a wet start. The skies have cooperated with us now, and it's a little windy, but spirits are high, people are out, it's a great event, and the community is responding,” said Mike Glidden, festival organizer and president of Wallingford Center Inc. 

Celebrate Wallingford continues Sunday from 11 a.m  to 5 p.m. The event occupies parts of North Main Street, South Main Street and Center Street. 

Over 100 booths were set up for the event, including crafters, civic groups and food vendors. 

“Things are a little different this year because we're doing a lot of different things. We're mixing a lot of the (food) vendors with the civics and the crafters,” said Liz Davis, executive director of Wallingford Center Inc. “A lot of people are coming around, so things are looking good.”

Organizers partnered with Yellow King Brews, a local business, for the new Celebrate on Center Beer Tasting. Two tasting sessions were held Saturday and two are planned Sunday from 11 a.m  to 1:30 p.m and the second from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

“It’s been a nice response,” Glidden said. “People are here, there's been walk-ups, people have reserved spots. It's great. It's definitely successful. We have some local vendors that are part of the beer tasting and it's a very exciting addition to the event.”

The festival also has designated zones for children and tweens and various games and craft activities for all ages, along with entertainment at a stage on the green in front of Town Hall. Performers include Rock House, Disco Dyno Myte, and Mariachi Los Laureles and Danza Folclórica Alma de Mexico from the Spanish Community of Wallingford School of Music. 

There will be wandering acts on Sunday, including a magician, balloon twisters and performers dressed as Marvel characters.