A little rain couldn't dampen the spirit of Onset's annual Blues Festival, held Saturday, August 3.

"It's a great day when we can listen to the blues all day wouldn't you say," organizer Kat Jones said to the crowd gathered at the Band Shell.

Musicians sang their songs and vendors hocked their wares at the festival.

The Blues Festival is hosted by the Onset Bay Association and sponsored by Mayflower Bank and other local businesses. Proceeds help the association pay for its myriad of summer and holiday events.

"We worked really hard to bring you something different this year," said Jones. "It certainly does take a village to make a Blues Festival."

The day kicked off with Mark T. Small performing his brand of Delta- and Chicago-style blues in Dudley Square.

This year, the festival showcased the talents of largely local artists.

"We've got a lot of great blues bands in this area," said Jones. "They're part of the scene, they're keeping it alive.

Radio station FUN 107 was broadcasting from Onset as part of its partnership in promoting the town.

"We're doing a live broadcast to promote the Blues Festival," said radio personality Neil White. "It's all part of promoting Wareham."

While there is a renewed effort to promote the town, there are some from around the South Coast who know Onset is a funky little village with a lot to offer, and have been coming here for years — generations, even.

"This is an awesome place, I come to town on Wednesdays for the free music," Ron Mello, who hails from the New Bedford area, said, referring to the Summer of Love Music Series, held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.

There with Mello, enjoying the music, was George Mendonca.

"We go back 30 years, coming here once a year," said Mendonca.

Mello said that the last time he visited the village, he was surprised to get a parking ticket, but said he sees an upside to the new parking system: "The nice thing about the machines is that you can find a parking spot."

Mello also attended the festival with his son, Chris, who he says he has been bringing to Onset for years.

"I always was attracted to this place," Mello noted.