“What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Invention” is a zany and fun-filled festival that celebrates the invention of Fluff by Archibald Query in Somerville’s Union Square.  This year’s theme of “FluffCentennial: Inspiring the Next Century of Union Square Invention” highlights the100th anniversary and the fact that invention is still alive and thriving in Union Square today.

The 12th anniversary of this madcap festival will take place on Sat., Sept. 23 (rain date, 9/24), and will celebrate the invention of marshmallow Fluff with fun and zany activities for everyone to enjoy! Younger children can play interactive games at Knucklebones; fan favorites like Fluff bowling and pin the F on the Fluff boy are at the Midway Games Area; and all are welcome to ride on the Roaming Railroad train. The Shenanigans Stage is the place for hilarious antics, with sticky activities like Fluff Jousting, Fluff Musical Chairs, and this year’s new addition of the Fluff Costume Contest! Another special addition this year in honor of our FluffCentennial theme is Invention Alley where the Somerville High Robotics Team and Artisans Asylum are teaming up to bring great activities like laser printing, the 3Doodler pen, vinyl cut designs, robotics and more.

Come hungry and ready to shop, because over 40 local vendors will be selling both sweet and savory Fluff-inspired dishes, as well as a variety of Fluff-themed crafts. Where else can you try Fluff-inspired creations at a nearby bar or restaurant?

In between the sticky-sweet games, funky crafts, and fabulous fluff creations, enjoy live music and entertainment on the Main Stage. This year’s performances include Squeezebox Stompers, Jan Marie & the Mean Reds, Ten Tumbao and of course, no self-respecting Fluff Festival could take place without our beloved Flufferettes entertaining us with a few sensational burlesque performances, and Dan Dahari from MassMouth will be our emcee. So make sure you bring your dancing shoes.

What the Fluff? is produced by Union Square Main Streets and sponsored by The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the City of Somerville.

Website: www.unionsquaremain.org