Thousands Enjoy Fun In The Sun At Blues On The Beach In Stratford

STRATFORD, Conn. -- Thousands of people got together at Short Beach in Stratford on Saturday for one of the city's biggest events — the seventh annual Blues on the Beach.

Friends gather at Blues on the Beach in Stratford.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Families enjoy the sand and the sun at the event.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Blues on the Beach attracts thousands of people to Short Beach in Stratford.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

People celebrate Blues on the Beach in Stratford.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

People gather around the stage in anticipation for a live band
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Micalizzi's Italian Ice was on board with a special flavor to celebrate Blues and The Mix.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Queen Zuri was selling New Orleans-style foods.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Stratford PAL sells T-shirts to raise money for their organization.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

A variety of food trucks are available for delicious food.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

At the event is Sloppy Waffle, which is known for its fried chicken waffle
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Spud Stud sells its famous baked potatoes
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Szabo's Fish offering Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips and much more to satisfy your summer food craving.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

It is the grand opening of a new food truck — All Good Food — at Blues on the Beach.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Big Bluebulance is on display.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Posing on the back of the blue truck.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Friends and families gather underneath tents to keep cool at Short Beach.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Navy Veterans from Port 5 gather for a barbecue.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Blues on the Beach takes place at Short Beach
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Many people gather around for a good time at Short Beach.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Friends and families gather around for a fun time in the sun.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Nicole Zappone

07/25/2016 5:00 a.m.

The crowd celebrated the summer sun, good music, and a chance to reunite for the day. The heat soared into the upper 90s, making it a perfect day to hit the beach and cool down in the water and the coastal breeze. Many families came out with kids and friends at the family-friendly and free event.

Tents were set up across Short Beach, with some in the crowd sitting and visiting, while others made it into a big party complete with a barbecue and lots of goodies.

Stratford PAL was on the scene, selling Blues on the Beach 2016 T-shirts to raise money for their organization and to offer a souvenir from the signature event.

This year, the event was sponsored by Mayor John Harkins and many local businesses.

The event featured food trucks from all around Connecticut, live bands, and fireworks after the sun went down.

The event started in 2010 with 1,500 people showing up. By last year, the crowd numbered 20,000. Erin McLaughlin, the woman in charge of the event, made sure to make this year an even better time for everyone.

Among the food trucks were All Good Caribbean, Szaboo's Fish, Sloppy Waffle, Spud Stud, Mark's Poo Boys, The Chowder Spot, SWOT and Micalizzi's Italian Ice.

Bands that made it to the stage included Vinny & Ray Afro-Cuban Jazz, The Mix, CK3, Chris D-Amato, Balkun Brothers, and Delta Generators.

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