10/19/2026
“It Was Like a Big Party!”
Swampscott Community Connections Festival Brings Neighbors Together in a Joyful Celebration! “It was like a big party!” That was the sentiment shared by guests as they left the Swampscott Community Connections Festival on Saturday, October 17. Smiles, laughter, music, and new friendships filled the afternoon as residents gathered to celebrate 10 years of S.U.R.E. Diversity and the many community organizations and partners that help make Swampscott special.
The Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts, with its panoramic views of the sparkling ocean, provided a spectacular setting. Its beautiful rooms allowed music, art, games, and community activities to flow naturally throughout the afternoon.
And celebrate they did!
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the lively flute and percussion music of Steve Tapper and Shira Moss.(video clips of each musician can be found in the comments ). Guests also enjoyed a delicious assortment of seasonal Bagel Bites and warm apple c***r, generously donated by Grab the Bagel.
In the Dory Room, local artist Claire Donnelly invited guests to contribute to a colorful collaborative fiber art mural celebrating the qualities that connect our community: kindness, unity, creativity, patience, empathy, roots, and more.
The Dory Room came alive with music as El Bohemio, a solo mariachi singer, performed traditional Mexican ranchera love songs while women in colorful Mexican dresses danced to the rhythms.
Next, Philip Alexander led an energetic community drum circle, inviting participants of all ages to pick up percussion instruments and join in the fun.
Juan Carlos Hurtado, a talented Peruvian musician studying at Berklee College of Music, shared the distinctive sounds of the charango, a traditional Andean stringed instrument.
Christophe Matara, from the Central African Republic and also a Berklee musician, brought his own musical traditions to the celebration, blending Sango rhythms from his homeland with contemporary influences.
Games, Raffles, and Community Connections
In the VIP Game Room, guests discovered an impressive collection of raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses, artists, and residents.
Continuing into the magnificent Looking Glass Room, visitors experienced the heart of the festival’s message:
“Join In and Get Connected!”
Children gathered around game tables, thanks to Emily Borden and student volunteers from the Swampscott High School Discovery Point Program, who helped create a welcoming space for families to play and interact.
Around the perimeter of the room, local community organizations invited guests to learn more about their work and discover opportunities to get involved.
Marzie, representing the Town of Swampscott, shared information about town projects, boards, committees, and ways residents can participate in shaping their community. Nancy Schultz and Connie Carman displayed fascinating historical photographs of Black Wills Cliff, the very site where the festival was taking place, with a fitting message:
“You Are Making History!” Dave Legere, President of the Swampscott Rotary, shared information about local businesses and community projects.
Ralph Edwards, representing S.U.R.E. Diversity, the festival’s host organization, introduced guests to the ongoing “Tell Us Your Story” project, which invites residents to share short personal stories about their ancestry and heritage.
Other participating organizations included:
Swampscott Conservancy
Swampscott Senior Center
Swampscott High School Discovery Point Program
Swampscott METCO Program
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Speak Up for Animals
Anchor Food Pantry
Together, these organizations demonstrated the many ways neighbors can contribute their time, talents, and interests to the community.
As the afternoon began to wind down, the sounds of Susan Ruth on the fiddle and Rupert Deese’s American Old-Time music filled the air. Then came a particularly memorable moment. Musicians from different backgrounds and musical traditions, many of whom had never met before that afternoon, came together for an impromptu grand finale, performing “This Little Light of Mine” and “One Love.”
It was a fitting conclusion to a festival devoted to connection, friendship, and community spirit.
The message of the afternoon was simple:
Connecting and Volunteering alongside your neighbors is not only rewarding. It’s an opportunity to make new friends, discover shared interests, learn from one another, and experience the satisfaction of being part of something bigger.
The Swampscott Community Connections Festival showed that bringing people together doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all it takes is a little music, a shared activity, a friendly conversation, and an invitation to join in.
A heartfelt thank-you to S.U.R.E. Diversity, our community partners, talented musicians, artists, generous sponsors and donors, dedicated volunteers, and everyone who joined us for this special afternoon.
And judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, it really was one big party! ❤️
