Celebrate Marshmallows at Somerville’s What the Fluff Festival This Weekend

This weekend, Somerville will host its annual festival celebrating the beloved marshmallow treat known as Fluff. Scheduled for Saturday, September 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Union Square, the event is expected to draw around 20,000 attendees of all ages. The 2024 theme, "Somerville Over the Rainbow: No Place Like Fluff," encourages participants to wear colorful outfits and bring their pets, adding a whimsical touch to the festivities. The festival will feature a variety of Fluff-themed activities, including a marshmallow toss, Fluff musical chairs, and Fluff limbo, ensuring a fun-filled day for families. Live music will be performed on the "Fluff 'N Jam Stage," enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. Attendees can also indulge in unique food offerings such as Fluff-topped beer, Fluffernutter donuts, and Fluff chocolate chip cookie empanadas, showcasing the versatility of this iconic treat. Fluff, a marshmallow cream made from corn syrup, sugar, egg whites, and artificial flavoring, has been produced in Lynn for over a century. The festival pays homage to Archibald Query, who is credited with inventing Fluff in Union Square in 1917. His legacy continues to be celebrated at the festival, where an impersonator of Query is a staple attraction. In case of rain, the festival has a backup date set for Sunday, ensuring that the community can still come together to celebrate this unique culinary tradition, reinforcing Somerville's reputation for innovation and creativity.