Princeton’s Thirsty Lab is throwing its annual block party on Saturday, August 29 from 1pm to 5pm, and this year’s lineup includes something for just about everyone — live music, local vendors, a dunk tank that was pretty popular last year (dependent mostly on who’s in there for the dunking) and a lineup of businesses and community members–just FUN for everyone! You know I love when people in our small towns get together, welcome new people and have a casual afternoon of chatting with friends and community members and supporting local businesses. The Block Party will be held in the parking lot of Post Office Place, 206 Worcester Road in Princeton.
I’ll be set up at the Block Party, happy to chat about real estate, with giveaways and a free raffle for Village Auto Wash, Westminster’s 24/7 touch-free car wash. I’ll also have Labor Day Tennis merchandise on hand — an early first peek of the Labor Day Tennis Tournament merchandise, for anyone who wants to get first pick before the tournament starts. AND you might see me at the Princeton Business Association tent, too!
The first Thirsty Lab Block Party was held on July 18, 2021. Andrew and Melissa Wagg had taken over ownership of The Thirsty Lab a year earlier, in May 2020, and wanted a way to bring customers, friends, and the community together after surviving that first year — one that started, of all times, at the beginning of a pandemic. People were eager to get out and gather again — most had spent the past year cooped up. The pandemic wasn’t over, but outdoor activities were allowed, and with most people skipping vacations that year and looking for things to do close to home, the timing worked.
Seven Saws Brewing teamed up for the first event, bringing a band made up of Andrew and Melissa’s son Andrew, his friends, and a few Seven Saws employees. Some of the building’s other tenants joined in too. Every year since, the event has grown to include more of the town’s businesses.
For Andrew and Melissa, the goal has always been to give back to the community while showcasing the local businesses that make Princeton what it is — a chance to show people, whether they’re from town or just passing through, what the area has to offer. A good old-fashioned block party, in other words.
This year we’ll see food trucks like Grumpy’s Dogs and Figsfood, as well as Seven Saws. And the Dunk Tank is back, sponsored by Fidelity Bank!
Interested in participating in this year’s Princeton Block Party? Check in with Melissa for more information!
The Thirsty Lab: Ownership and History
The Thirsty Lab has been around since 2014, created by original owners Sue, Lou, and Sam. Andrew and Melissa Wagg spent time learning the business alongside them before taking over in 2020 — finalizing the transition right as the pandemic was beginning, which made for a crazy and scary time to step into ownership. The community embraced them anyway, and they’ve spent the years since expanding on the concept the original owners built.
Today, The Thirsty Lab offers craft beers, curated wines from around the world, and spirits with a focus on unique and local finds, along with ready-to-go cocktails and options for both gluten-free and non-alcoholic drinkers. Friday nights bring tastings from 5 to 7. The shop also carries gourmet groceries and cheeses from around the world, with bread and pastries coming in from Rose32 on Fridays and Saturdays and from Iggy’s on Tuesdays.
Andrew and Melissa’s daughter, Isabella, took the reins on reviving the Wellness Bar, which reopened in June 2020, and a front patio was added for outdoor seating. The bar offers smoothies, smoothie bowls, avocado toast, coffee, cold brew (Drew’s Brew), refreshers, homemade gluten-free muffins and energy bites, and — more recently — breakfast sandwiches and bagels. The shop now opens at 6am Monday through Friday, filling a real gap for early risers in the area looking for coffee.
Current Hours
Monday–Wednesday: 6am–7pm
Thursday–Friday: 6am–8pm
Saturday: 8am–8pm
Sunday: 10am–6pm
*Always check online for current hours.
