The Wallingford Wishing Well has been a beloved fixture at Celebrate Wallingford since the event's second year, embodying the spirit of community and volunteerism that the festival celebrates. Composed entirely of volunteers, this group has been dedicated to serving the Wallingford community for decades, with roots tracing back to the late 1970s.

 

The origins of the Wallingford Wishing Well can be traced to the "Junk Yard crew" from Chics Used Auto Parts. What began as cooking for stag functions soon evolved into organizing fundraisers for individuals and families in need. This spirit of giving back is what brought the group to Celebrate Wallingford, seeing it as the perfect opportunity to showcase their commitment to the town and the work they do.

 

Preparation for the festival is a community effort that begins each September. Volunteers come together to clean and repair equipment, prepare the fire pit trailer, and inventory supplies. The dedication to detail ensures that everything is ready to go when the festival arrives, allowing the Wallingford Wishing Well to serve up their famous beef tip grinders, a favorite among festival-goers.

 

For the Wallingford Wishing Well, the highlight of participating in Celebrate Wallingford is seeing how the town comes together to support one another. Each year, they are touched by the families who stop by their booth, especially those they have assisted in some way. Watching the children they’ve helped grow and thrive over the years is particularly rewarding for the volunteers.

 

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the festival for the Wallingford Wishing Well is reconnecting with their regular volunteers, many of whom return year after year to lend a hand. It’s always a pleasure when visitors, mistaking them for a restaurant, express amazement upon learning that the entire operation is volunteer-driven. The Wishing Well team takes pride in explaining their mission: raising money for needy families in Wallingford.

 

Their advice to new vendors and participants? Simply, "Enjoy it! Have fun!" The Wallingford Wishing Well has found joy in serving the community through Celebrate Wallingford for many years, and they look forward to continuing this tradition for many more.