WILLIMANTIC, Conn. — Intermittent rain did little to dampen the spirit of Willimantic’s final 3rd Thursday Street Fest of the year. On Thursday, September 17, neighbors and visitors came to Main Street from 6 to 9 p.m. for an evening celebrating both Hispanic Heritage Month and all things glow-in-the-dark.
As daylight faded, glow sticks, glasses, rings, and tubes lit up the festival. Organizers distributed more than 1,500 glow items, and children joined in with black-light, glow-in-the-dark face painting. The colorful theme gave festivalgoers one more way to celebrate together, even between passing showers.
Hispanic Heritage Month was at the heart of the evening’s programming. Salsa Rico instructor Rachel Irizarry led free salsa lessons at the Downtown Stage, inviting newcomers and experienced dancers alike to take part. Music by Orquestra Sabor, Goza Latin Jazz Band, and Grupo Boriken brought Latin rhythms to the festival, while community speakers Tanisha Diaz, president of the Latino Chamber and Alisa Velasquez, the chamber’s vice president helped mark the occasion.
Across downtown, visitors explored the makers, artists, vendors, businesses, and community organizations that make 3rd Thursday a Willimantic tradition. Food trucks and Main Street restaurants served festivalgoers, live entertainment filled the stages, and families enjoyed activities throughout the evening.
The September celebration closed the festival’s 23rd season on a bright note. Despite the rain, people came out to dance, discover local businesses, celebrate Hispanic heritage, and enjoy one last free night together on Main Street in 2026.
