Few traditions in Laurel have endured like the annual Main Street Festival.
Since 1981, the event — organized by the Laurel Board of Trade to spotlight local businesses — has continued to draw crowds as large as 100,000.
Jean McCants, 70, of Laurel, has attended 12 Main Street Festivals over the years. She said she enjoys the live music and opportunities to try food from local vendors.
“[The Main Street Festival] is for everybody, and that’s the good part about it. Everybody can come out and everybody can enjoy each other,” said McCants.
The 45th Main Street Festival took place May 2, featuring about 200 vendors along its usual route on Main Street between Seventh Street and Route 1. To avoid conflicting with the city’s preparations for the Preakness Stakes on May 16, this year’s festival was moved up about a week from its typical date.
