"It’s so great to see so many smiling faces on Main Street. It’s a perfect day, the weather is amazing, the families need this little bit of a break as summer ends and the school year has already started,” said Brenda Otto, President of the Pine Bush Area Chamber of Commerce about the UFO Festival on Main Street.

The closed road, sidewalk, and side streets were filled with visitors, many of them had never attended the event. A line formed outside the UFO museum, many sat to listen to guest speakers under a tent adjacent to the museum. Vendors offered a mix of food and refreshments, alien themed merchandise and art, and a few community groups were also on hand. A full day’s agenda was posted on the event website along with the scheduled guest lecturers.

Free, family friendly entertainment also walked among the spectators in the form of many costumed characters, some from formal costume clubs and organizations, while others simply enjoyed having a place to let their inner alien out. While one may expect the children to be excited to have their photos taken with popular characters and outrageously dressed extraterrestrials, it did seem to more frequently be adults who were setting up smiling selfies. Peace signs, the Vulcan salute, also known as “Live Long and Prosper,” sign, and friendly waves could be seen everywhere.

“It really is a super event this year,” said Town of Crawford Community Services Director Domanie Ragni. “Seeing so many people just smiling and excited to be here, they just seem out of this world happy! A tag line we included in some of our online posts said, ‘Where you can be a part of the show,’ and it’s amazing to see so many people participating this year and dressed in costume.”

The perfectly sunny day eventually did draw to a close and everyone made their way home. Wherever home may be, for that, as the Mandolorian says, is the way.