The town-wide festival honoring Westfield’s Charles Addams is reimagined for a year like no other

If isolation and social distancing were an art, The Addams Family would be the masters. This year, their dynamic is on-brand as the popular AddamsFest returns for a third year – this time, in a pandemic-friendly manner, and, once again, transforming Westfield with a unique celebration honoring its own Charles Addams and his penchant for the macabre.

Dubbed “Alt AddamsFest” for the 2020 pandemic, the festivities will be shaped by creative approaches to gatherings that provide a safe environment while maintaining the initial spirit of the celebration.

Born in 1912 and raised in Westfield, Charles Addams was one of the country’s premier cartoonists, with his work featured prominently in The New Yorker. His most successful creation, The Addams Family, was inspired by his hometown surroundings. The characters that began as illustrations grew into a television series, a live action movie franchise, a Broadway musical, and last year’s Addams Family animated movie. In October, he will be posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Thus, what better place to honor Addams’ talent and creativity than the town where he grew up?

“The return of AddamsFest is a wonderful way to provide the community with a celebration and connectedness during a year that has challenged us all,” said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle. “I’m thrilled that we are able to find innovative ways to have these festivities safely and keep the spirit of AddamsFest in Westfield for its third year.”

“Perhaps now more than ever, the essence of Charles Addams’ creations ring true with their odd, macabre take of everyday life, and themes of home and family at the core,” said Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, AddamsFest chairperson. “We are thrilled to bring back this celebration of one of Westfield’s most notable residents in a newly reimagined way that is reflective of the challenges, silver linings, and resiliency of 2020.”

A complete list of events, dates, and times is available at www.addamsfest.com. For questions, email info@addamsfest.com and follow AddamsFest on Facebook.