NEW PALESTINE — Little Eli Mies munched on some popcorn, bopping his head ever so slightly to the beat of the music.
The 2-year-old’s energy appeared sapped by the hot summer sun, but he held on a bit longer, hanging out with his mom, dad and big brother while local musician Sydney Paige crooned to the crowd gathered at the New Palestine Summerfest 2017 on Saturday.
The Mies family was part of crowd on hand for the summertime celebration that shuts down a stretch of U.S. 52, the main thoroughfare through town, so residents can hit the streets in search of sweet treats, crafts and more for sale.
The event started early in the morning with a Dragon Dash 5K walk/run, followed later in the afternoon by a car show.
Despite a brief shower around 5 p.m., the crowds started showing up in droves after the rain stopped. Waiting to welcome the visitors were more than 60 vendors, live music acts and a fireworks show to cap the night off after the sun set.
The annual summer party is conducted each year by New Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, with chamber officials and their business members coming together to thank the town and area residents for their support.
