Members of the Peabody Main Street promotion committee were able to take it easy most of Monday as the third annual Operation Celebration became one for the books.
“I think it went really well,” Main Street Executive Director Shane Marler said. “As usual there were a few glitches like the five-minute gully washer that drenched the historic flag display before workers could even begin to gather them up and get them inside.
“Or the three trains that came roaring through town with whistles at full throttle during the speeches by Jerry Moran, Bob Brookens, and Alan Cooley.
“But you always have things like that and you just learn to go with it,” he added.
There was enthusiastic praise for the Siege on Peabody, Veterans’ window, parade, encampment, fly-over, and food.
Doyle Valley Farmers Market vendors did brisk business all morning on Saturday and the Historical Society unveiled its newest project, a book entitled “Women of Peabody” and sold many copies during the weekend.
Nouveau Quintette entertained a good-sized crowd during the Saturday evening meal and the 60-member Senseney Music Community Band entertained a capacity crowd in the tents Sunday evening while Peabody Main Street board members served cake and ice cream.
The alumni reception at the home of Pat Hunnell drew 95 alums and spouses Saturday night.
Most businesses report a brisk trade on Saturday and several that stayed open on Sunday were busy as well.
The Avenue of Flags was at its usual stunning best despite the desecration of nine flags in the display. A larger than usual group of Civil War re-enactors were on hand to assist with the ceremony at the cemetery. The sophomore class served a large contingent of people who attended the service at the cemetery.
“Putting on something of this magnitude is always a challenge,” said Marler. “Last year we sold out of lapel pins, but had T-shirts galore left over. This year we cleaned up on the T-shirt sales and have a bucket-load of lapel pins. You just never know.
“All-in-all, we’re happy with the weekend.”