The smell of freshly popped popcorn and fresh off the grill hot dogs fills the noses of hundreds of Scituate residents. The blaring oldies rock music surrounds the streets along with cautious parents and excited young pre-teens. Scituate’s very own annual festival, Heritage Days, attracts many tourists and lures even the laziest people out of their homes to take a stroll around the classic seaside harbor. Maybe even a famous rock star like Steven Tyler, who has made many appearances at the event.

Senior Meghan James said “Heritage Days is a sign that it’s summer!”

Stores and businesses all open their doors and set up their tents waiting anxiously to hand out balloons and raise awareness for their businesses. The highly anticipated event brings in plenty of money each year for local store owners.

Senior Molly Rafferty who has been visiting the event since she was six years old said, “Heritage Days is a great way to earn money.” Scituate’s Chamber of Commerce presents Heritage Days as a smart way to spark businesses and give small stores that little push they need to start up a big career.

James also said “It’s a great way to support small businesses while still getting something cute.” This two day event is highly anticipated by store owners throughout the South Shore as a way to expand their business.

The well-known Scituate High School football team had their own tent set up supporting the sport. Raising money for the upcoming fall season was not a problem as people crowded the tent to have a sample of their very own brand of cereal. This seemed like a smart new way of bringing in money for the popular sport. Heritage Days created a pathway for the SHS football team to raise more support.Returning Varsity football player, senior Matt Basler said the tent at Heritage Days “was super fantastic!” The opportunities that Heritage Days presents creates a booming sense of pride in Scituate’s schools and community.

Heritage Days is an event that the whole town can bond over. It is very easy to find something in common with any resident you meet at the festival. Whether it’s that you enjoy the same band that it rocking out on the main stage overlooking the breathtaking sea, or you enjoy the same carnival games and rides they offer. Friends come together out of their busy summer schedules to make memories in their home town. Rafferty said Heritage Days forms “a sense of unity and community for our town.”

In this small weekend every August, Heritage Days forms a place where people put aside their differences and come together as one society to take part in an experience that is never forgotten among Scituate natives.