By Christy Wolyniak:
Thousands of masked people are expected to converge on Meridian Playground this Saturday for Wallingford’s first-ever Goddess Festival.
Shuttleworth wants Wallingford to have a unique festival. As the Chair of the Wallingford Art Walk, she was inspired her to pursue her passion for the Goddess Festival.
“[I chose] goddess to remind us we’re all nurturers and healers – [not just women]. I wanted to show that nurturing feel as well as the warrior aspect to get people thinking about what it means to be part of a community and a tribe,” said organizer Tara Babette Shuttleworth, founder of Babette’s Events.
The festival is raising money for 13 local nonprofits, including seven from Wallingford.
Comedy groups such as Jet City Improv and The Storytellers will perform as well as various dance groups such as The BAHAR Bellydancers. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a full moon ceremony to connect the tribe of Wallingford.
There will be three stages featuring local bands, more than 30 craft and food vendors, a Kid Zone, a beer garden in the Wallingford Community Senior Center and silent auctions.
The dress code is tribal warrior. “Throw on a mad mask or feathers – whatever represents tribal for you, and raise up nonprofits for your tribe,” said Shuttleworth.
The Goddess Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday, August 13th at Meridian Playground. If you’re interested in volunteering, email tarababette@gmail.com.
