ROCKLAND - When the street shuts down, that's when we know it's officially summertime. This Saturday, June 22, the 15th annual Summer Solstice Street Festival in Rockland will transform downtown as people of all ages come out to play, dance, mingle and celebrate.

New this year are the changed hours from 4 to 8 p.m. to accommodate more families. Downtown restaurants, retail shops and food specialty shops will be participating on Main Street along with street fair food tables, Solstice Sidewalk Sales, entertainment and activities.

“As the crowd grows, our Main Street restaurants are full with diners looking to enjoy a new or favorite spot, so we are bringing in some street fair food to help feed our large crowd of 5,000 people that attend," said Lorain Francis, Executive Director of Rockland Main Street, Inc. “This is also a chance for local artists and crafters to showcase their talents to the community."

In years past, Main Street has brought out wacky costumes, improvized street dances, DJs, live bands, street entertainers and hordes of that rarely seen species, "Bored teenagers actually having fun."

Your favorite Summer Solstice bands will be lining the street along with a Whoopie Pie eating contest. The weather should be great so get out and enjoy!

This event is produced by Rockland Main Street, Inc., “Working to Keep Downtown the Heart of the Community." For more information, visit: rocklandmainstreet.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com