Hundreds of people gathered in Somerville’s Union Square on Saturday to mark the 21st annual Fluff Festival, celebrating marshmallow Fluff—a regional culinary creation first developed in the neighborhood more than 100 years ago. The event, which began at 1 p.m., drew sizable crowds that filled Union Square, Bow Street, and parts of Somerville Avenue, enjoying the expanded festival route and a broad range of vendors.
The festival’s theme, “Legally Fluff,” pays tribute to its milestone anniversary, influencing both the menu offerings and artistic displays. This year’s event featured over 100 vendors presenting Fluff-infused food, beverages, and art. The neighborhood’s business group, Union Square Main Streets, organizes the festival as a fundraiser to support ongoing operations, particularly as federal funding for the nonprofit has recently decreased. Jen Palacio, vice president of the board, highlighted the local significance of Fluff, stating it was invented in Somerville and represents a source of community pride.
Among the diverse culinary creations were Fluff ice cream tacos from Honeycomb Creamery, Fluff-covered momos and a mango lassi served by the Nepalese restaurant Himalayan Kitchen, and an ube-Fluff cannoli by Filipino caterer Kuya’s Cooking. A Cape Cod vendor, Lighthouse Keepers, offered a signature Fluff coffee drink. Adding to the festival’s interactive attractions, the Somerville High School robotics team unveiled a robot designed to toast graham crackers, place marshmallows, and assemble s’mores, an innovation developed with the support of advisors and alumni.
The Shenanigan stage hosted a range of activities including Fluff jousting, limbo, and musical chairs, all led by a festival board member dressed as Archibald Query, the original Fluff inventor. Local artist Morgan Walter contributed Fluff-themed crochet keychains and toys, reflecting the community’s well-established affection for the confection.
A special highlight remained exclusive to the Somerville High School music department, which prepared approximately 2,000 fluffernutters—classic peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches—and 500 Rice Krispie treats during the school day. High school seniors involved in band, orchestra, and chorus noted the treats sold quickly during the festival.
Attendees included both longtime residents and visitors from outside the region. Shayna Kantor, who moved to Somerville last year, returned for her second festival wearing a previous year’s Fluff Festival shirt to express her enthusiasm. Visitors from Atlanta, Chad Moore and Judith Reyes, made a trip specifically to take part in the festivities after hearing about the event from friends, with Moore expressing interest in returning in future years.
The Fluff Festival remains a vivid celebration of a unique New England tradition, fostering community engagement through food, art, and cultural events tied to the iconic marshmallow spread.