“What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Invention” honors local innovation and creativity. What the Fluff? is produced by Union Square Main Streets and sponsored by The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the City of Somerville and generous supporters, including Allstate, US2 and Bow Market.
Ninety-nine years ago, the illustrious Fluff creator, Archibald Query, concocted the beloved gooey spread right in Union Square, Somerville. The 11th anniversary of this madcap festival will take place on Sat., Sept. 24, 2016 and will celebrate the invention of marshmallow Fluff with musical performances, a cooking contest, fun for every age and Fluff treats of every sort.
The Fluff Festival presents fun and zany activities for everyone! Youngsters can enjoy interactive games at Knucklebones; fan favorites like Fluff bowling and Pin the F on the Fluff boy are at the Midway Area; and all are welcome to ride on the Roaming Railroad train. You’ll be in stitches from the hilarious antics at the Shenanigans Stage, with sticky activities like Fluff jousting, Fluff Musical Chairs, Blind Man’s Fluff and even Fluff Hair-Do!
Come hungry and ready to shop, because over 40 local vendors will be selling both sweet and savory Fluff-inspired dishes, as well as a variety of Fluff-themed crafts. Where else can you try Fluff inspired creations at a nearby bar or restaurant?
And in between the sticky-sweet games, funky crafts and fabulous fluff creations, enjoy live music and entertainment on the Main Stage. This year’s performances include local funk favorites The Neprok! Allstars, the groovy 12-piece extravaganza known as Booty Vortex, and the sassy, smooth Miss Fairchild. Add in a few sensational burlesque performances by the Flufferettes, and local radio star and Blues sensation Holly Harris as our emcee, and you’d better be ready to dance!
Each year the Fluff Festival also seeks to promote local creativity through our Cooking Contest. Test your culinary genius and sink deep into the sugary fun by creating a marshmallowy concoction for the cook-off! Check out http://www.fluffestival.com to sign up; entries will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 19.
“What the Fluff?” is expected to attract over 12,000 Fluff fans. Traffic will be re-routed around Union Square to accommodate festival activities.
Date: Sat,, Sept. 24 2016. 3–7 p.m.
(Rain date Sun., Sept. 25)
Where: Union Square Plaza in Somerville where Prospect Street, Washington Street and Somerville Avenue meet.
Cost: Free!
Activities:
Main Stage: Musical performances by The Nephrok! Allstars, Booty Vortex, and Miss Fairchild with special theatrical presentation by the Flufferettes as interpreted by Rogue Burlesque.
Cooking Contest: Whip up an original recipe with Fluff or present your best interpretation of a classic. Check out http://www.fluffestival.com to sign up; entries will be accepted through Monday, September 19.
Shenanigans Stage: All the big, messy Fluff games have their own stage, overseen by our Archibald Query, with games including Fluff Lick-Off, Blind Man’s Fluff, Fluff Musical Chairs, Fluff Hair Dos and Fluff Jousting.
Fluff Games for All Ages: Fluff bowling, Fluff constructions, Fluff Ring Toss and the game of culinary roulette we call Fluff Fear Factor. Win prizes! All Fluff Midway Games are free.
#StickyStories LIVE by SCATV: New this year! If you have a story about your childhood eating Fluff, memories as an adult or about past Fluff Festivals, or stories about local invention, this is your chance to share the story! Stories should be under 5 minutes and will be shared 4-6 p.m. Sign up here to share your story.
More Fluff Fun: Knucklebones, Brooklyn Boulders, Tango Society and Roaming Railroad train rides.
Vendors: Buy Fluff treats and Fluff-inspired items from whoopie pies to Fluffernutters.
Union Square Main Streets
Union Square Main Streets works collaboratively to actively support a vibrant neighborhood by preserving the character and advancing the economic strength of the Union Square business district and community. More information is available at the USMS website.