WADDINGTON —There is more of everything at the 37th annual Waddington Homecoming: more bands, more vendors, and more events than ever before.

Festivities began Friday with a pet show, sand castle contest and lip-sync competition.

Homecoming is a yearly tradition for many who live in the area. Former Waddington residents will return to visit with their families during the festival.

“We live here in Waddington, and we come every year to see people we haven’t seen in a year or more,” Kim A. Salton said. “I’ve been coming since I was a little girl.”

Saturday started with a pancake breakfast and a 5K run. Vendors sold craft items and antiques in Town Hall Square throughout the day.

“We like to support our local artists and taste the local food,” said Melissa A. Kirby, Waddington.

Crowds perused the vendors’ tents on a hot summer Saturday, looking at a variety of hand-crafted goods.

“This is our first time here in Waddington, and our first time doing an outdoor show,” said Dawn M. Mills, Ogdensburg. Mrs. Mills and her sister-in law, Donna M. Mills, started The Wood Shop, which sells primitive furniture and crafts, last year. Business at homecoming has been good.

“We’re pleased so far,” Dawn Mills said.

A parade started at 6 p.m., and fireworks at dusk closed out the day’s activities.

“We have the most spectacular fireworks ever,” said Sue E. Caswell, Waddington

The fireworks were paid for by attendees who bought rubber ducks for the 13th annual duck race, organized by Ms. Caswell. The winners received cash prizes.

Homecoming continues today with a community picnic at noon at Town Beach and a water tube race from Town Beach to Island View Park at 2 p.m.

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