Jumanji’s 30th Anniversary was being celebrated in downtown Keene this weekend. Jumanji was the story of a game with mystical results. Robin Williams was the star of the 1995 movie. I always thought he was amazing. I was in my 20s when Mork and Mindy came out. There was no one better with improv and wit than Robin Williams. I loved watching him. (Good Morning, Vietnam came out about then as well, and I thought he was amazing.)
Downtown Keene. I love downtown. I love the vibrancy. I was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and although I spent my youth in that area, attending school there, I have also visited major cities and their downtowns throughout the US, and I love them.
This morning, before I even went there, I was thinking about Petula Clark and of course, her song Downtown. (I loved her singing. And her singing in the movie, To Sir With Love? Outstanding! And she is 92 years old!)
When you’re alone and life is making you lonely
You can always go downtown
When you’ve got worries, all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help, I know, downtown.
That clinched it for me. I was going to downtown Keene to revitalize.
I made sure my wife was all set for the morning, and I headed out. Walking downtown and armed with my camera, on a bright sunny day, it was awesome. As I got close to the downtown area, I could hear the music and see the tops of tents. The energy had begun.
The square was filled with nonprofit tents, and I knew I would get to see them on the way back. Continuing down the west side, there was a lot going on. I decided to take a side trip to the Farmer’s Market on Gilbo Avenue.
Downtown Keene and Keene’s Farmer’s Market
It was great to see more food and produce than over the past few years. And I was excited to run into folks that I had connected with in the past. Some of these folks included Cabana Falls, Bending Branch Farm (Think goat!), and Copper Cannon. But one of my faves? BnG Heats! Hot sauce. Great to meet Jason and Brandy! (I love hot sauce, and I love small biz, so check them out.) Small town. Small businesses. Buy local. It was nice to see that the Farmer’s Market had more food and produce recently.
I love small farms and everything about them. Keep reaching out to the small farms. They need you.
Okay, back to Main Street in downtown Keene. It was great to see the marquee at the Colonial for the Jumanji showing from Friday. Because of family commitments, I watched Jumanji at home. 😊 I love being downtown. Just last week, I was down there at Modestman’s with my daughter for Father’s Day. I recently bought my Parrish Shoes from my friend, Ted, at Ted’s Shoe and Sport. Did you see that? PARRISH SHOES! Jumanji!!!
Special Visitors Arrive in Downtown Keene
This weekend lots of people showed up, including “Peter” (Bradley Pierce) from the Jumanji movie.
“The weekend has been great,” said Bradley Pierce, one of the actors in the film. “It has been everywhere. The amount of involvement from everybody, every store, every shop, every person, has just made this weekend feel really special.” (And he visited a few businesses over the weekend including Otto’s and the Keene Axe House.
It was nice to see all the vendors, the people, and the electric atmosphere. There were stories from 30 years ago, history that was made, and people who saw the results.
Downtown vibrancy. New businesses opened including Clays, Yellow Belle Cafe, and Otto’s. New businesses on the way include The Perch and Buba Street Noodle & Bar. (Food glorious food!) And Jamie recently moved the Axe House across the street, putting in a Rage Room and Paint Spatter Room. (And did you see the foam party today he put on and his visit from Bradley Pierce to get Van Pelt?)
Good Times For All
Today reminded me of all the good that was to be found in people. The energy to be found in downtown Keene. And the exciting events, delicious foods, and special merchandise. (Hey, I got bumped into by a dog dressed as a rhinoceros!)
The Jumanji celebration was amazing. It was great to see so many people having so much fun!
I want to give kudos to all the planners, volunteers, and businesses that came together to make this an incredible event.
I left before the parade, but I caught an amazing car show. 🙂 (I reposted some of the videos in our Positive Things Happen In Keene page.
