By Liz Leamy
Last Saturday was one for the books as hundreds of people gathered together from all around town and beyond to celebrate the talents of the Grammy-award winning band, Mumford & Sons and other incredible musical artists as well as enjoy the amazing food of numerous local culinary vendors, fun children’s activities and other terrific offerings of this year’s Greenwich Town Party, designating it as a runaway success on all fronts.
In signature style, this renowned annual event, held at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, was first rate in every regard as virtually all the attendees, along with the dedicated GTP staff and volunteer corps, first responder and security members, food and merchandise vendors and everyone else there appeared to be having a stellar time.
Throughout this event, which started at 10am and wrapped up at 10pm, nearly everyone there could be seen hobnobbing and having fun together as they walked around the park enjoying the tasty culinary fare, refreshments and children’s activities, shopped at the popular GTP merchandise tent or sat on the lawn in a foldout chair or under one of the big white tents at tables relaxing and enjoying the amazing array of music.
“It’s a beautiful day with beautiful music and beautiful people,” said Frank J. Gaudio, President and Chief Executive Officer of The First Bank of Greenwich. “You can see how radiant everyone is here and it’s an incredible environment all around.”
Clearly, there was a palpable energy in the air, designating this event as a truly extraordinary one in every way, something that was the result of the Herculean efforts of the GTP staff and volunteers, as well as all the other factions who helped make the spectacular success that is was.
On the Wednesday leading up to the event, dozens of GTP employees and volunteers, as well as G-Force Security team members and so many others could be seen getting everything ready for the ‘big day.’
Over the next few days, the grand GTP main stage and side stage had been put up, along with all of the tents, lights, tables, chairs, benches and other things to help make sure the event would indeed be another one for the books.
By all counts, the GTP community accomplished the task of putting on yet another superb event, especially when seeing everyone there on Saturday having such a good time, particularly during the spellbinding two-hour performance of Mumford & Sons, the two-time Grammy and four-time Billboard Award winning band from London who were year’s music headliner.
Right from the jump, Mumford & Sons, whose members consist of Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane and Ben Lovett, had everyone in the crowd on their feet as they cheered, clapped, danced and sang along with them, especially during their hit songs, ‘I Will Wait for You,’ ‘Little Lion Man’ and ‘King.’
A highlight of their performance was when Marcus Mumford, the band’s lead singer, jumped off the stage and walked through the crowd greeting fans as they held up their phones to record and photograph this unexpected and serendipitous moment.
“It’s our first time in Greenwich,” said Mumford to the crowd, who reacted with thunderous applause and resounding cheers.
Other outstanding performers who graced the main stage at this year’s GTP included Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, The Cameroons and Drew Angus.
At the same time, local artists Rock Paper Soul Band, Cenzo, harf., Mojo and the Outcalls were also outstanding, as was Fashionably Late and the School of Rock Greenwich House Band.
On the culinary front, the 2024 GTP food vendors were first rate as well.
This year’s memorable vendor lineup included Wildacre Rotisserie, Tomatillo Taco Joint, Longford’s Ice Cream, Burke Catering LLC, Burgers, Shakes & Fries, Bella Nonna, Fjord Fish Market, Maman Café, Bakery and Restaurant and @PopUpBagels, all of who drew lengthy lines of customers throughout the day and evening, designating their whole area, based right by the park entryway, as one of the event’s busiest hubs.
“This is a great event and it’s a real community experience in every way,” said Ralph Pietrafesa, President of Longford’s Ice Cream that is based in Stamford and has been a participant of the GTP for 11 years running. “There is such a great feeling here and it is an event that brings everyone together. We always see so many people we know and also get to meet a lot of new friends. It’s all pretty amazing.”
Others agreed.
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere. It’s the most beautiful day and everybody is charged up,” said Andy Burke, owner and proprietor of Burke’s Catering LLC in Greenwich, which has been participating in the GTP for 12 years. “You can see everyone working and having a great time together. It’s a highlight of the year and is so much of the reason why Greenwich is such an incredible place.”
Ben Pote, Founder and Owner of Wildacre Rotisserie in Cos Cob, concurred.
“This is my first year at the Greenwich Town Party and it’s been awesome. Everyone has been so helpful and great and people really work together,” said Pote, who opened Wildacre Rotisserie in Cos Cob in 2022. “It’s a beautiful day, the weather is great and everyone is having fun. This is an amazing event that has brought together so many people and I’m really happy to be part of this whole experience.”
Closer to the main stage, meanwhile, scores of people could be seen milling about the GTP merchandise tent looking to purchase one of its many collectible items that featured the iconic GTP logo and 2024 artists lineup, including an array of tee shirts, hats, sweatshirts, towels, water bottles and computer mouse pads, among other fun things.
“It’s been a wonderful day for everyone and it’s been really nice to see so many people who we’ve all come to know over the years, as well meet new friends. It’s a party for everyone and I think people want bring home a memory because being here means a lot,” said Vicki Brugnatelli, who was working at the main GTP merchandise tent with her daughter, Alisa, and whose brother and uncle, respectively, Frank D’Agostino and his wife, Silvani, own and run Party Planners, the organization which provides the retail merchandise of the GTP. “This is a happy event that brings so many people together, and with the world being as challenging as it can be sometimes these days, it means a great deal.”
Togetherness, optimism and unity certainly seemed to be the definitive theme and feeling among everyone at this year’s GTP, including those who were there to help insure everyone’s safety, a group which included members of the Greenwich Police Department, G-Force Security team, Greenwich Emergency Medical Service Inc. and Greenwich Fire Department.
“This is a day where the community comes together,” said Greenwich Fire Department Deputy Chief Shawn Morris, who was on hand at the GTP with several members of the Greenwich Fire Department. “It’s all about spirit and community here and it’s always great to see everybody enjoying themselves.”
