In this Obama-centric, post-Me world, we're not big on bragging about our personal virtues. But it should be noted that while a certain town a few blocks southwest of M-wood postponed its car show Sunday because rainy skies were in the forecast, the resilient folks on Springfield Avenue persevered, rolling out a family-friendly festival (including a lineup of classic cars) that entertained one and all.

Besides the cars, the annual MayFest Sunday featured music, lots of food, face-painting, a petting zoo, and those huge inflatable thingies that the kids love jumping up and down on.

Beth Anne Macdonald, director of the Springfield Avenue Partnership, said there were almost twice as many food vendors this year than last.

“The event is really gelling into a Maplewood event, not just a Springfield Avenue event,” Macdonald said. Businesses and groups from all over Maplewood got involved this year, a development Macdonald was pleased with. “We’re trying to move forward with the township to promote one Maplewood.”

Springfield Avenue started putting on outdoor summer events in the late ‘90s. Initially, the events, then called the Maplewood Festival, were held in Maplecrest Park. In 2007, to emphasize the event’s connection with avenue merchants and businesses, it was moved out of the park and onto the pavement.

“We were purposefully trying to get people out to Springfield Avenue for a positive experience,” Maplewood Mayor Vic De Luca said.

We asked Patch photographer Nilsa de la Cruz to capture the day's festivities. Her photo gallery is at right.