Thousands Converge On Square for Mayfair

Thousands of visitors flocked to Harvard Square's eight annual Mayfair yesterday afternoon, roaming the streets where more than 100 artisans and cooks hawked their wares.

Live local bands, food stands, craft tables and children's rides drew revellers from throughout the Boston area to Cambridge's Mass. Ave. and Brattle St. The Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) sponsored the event, according to staff worker Greta Cowan.

"A nice day lubricates the pockets of visitors," Cowan said. "On a day like this, we can expect about 20,000 people." HSBA also sponsors the annual Oktoberfest.

"The unemployment rate went down, so I guess they all came here," said Enid Sneidman of Matted Memories Jewelry, as she danced to the music of a nearby band. "People are buying, and that's surprising, given the economic news."

Despite an economic crunch that has hurt most business around Massachusetts, Matted Memories did better this year than at Mayfairs past, Sneidman said.