Despite the heat of the day, Saturday’s 76th Gwynn’s Island Festival was a success with a steady flow of people, according to organizer Jan Bassett. The rain held off until the afternoon, but was a welcomed reprieve by many after the heat of the morning.

“I saw smiles and laughter … and tons of fans, sweat rags, and wet shirts,” she joked. “Everybody loved the music, the bands were great, the food was good–the whole environment. Everyone was having a good time.”

Though it wasn’t a festival where people hung out all day like they normally do, there was a consistent flow of people browsing the tents, listening to music, and eating, Bassett said. Vendors offered shade and exciting wares, with some handing out water to those who needed it. The music created a lively atmosphere while attendees browsed through the vendor tents.

The kid zone was set up with games, a Krafty Kids Korner, face-painting, the dunk tank, and even a new photo frame Bassett added this year. The Mathews Volunteer Fire Department had the Island Express Engine 3 on display as you entered the festival, along with the new MIRT Fire Boat.

The fully loaded chicken dinner on Friday evening also proved to be a success, with 360 of the 380 meals sold, and good fellowship during the dinner, said Bassett. The drive-thru proved to be a big selling point, with around 300 of the meals being through drive-thru.

In a thank-you to the vendors and volunteers, Bassett highlighted that smiles, laughter and community are a big part of her life and the Gwynn’s Island Civic League. “The festival weekend has always been a time to gather and have fun promoting our community,” she said.