Photo Gallery: It's Always Sunny in Belmont on Town Day

Saturday, May 19, proved to be sunny, warm and perfect for a day on the town as thousands descended onto Leonard Street in Belmont Center for the 22nd annual Belmont Town Day.

Chrome and smart paint jobs from more than a dozen classic cars gleemed, the music blarred, food from pulled pork sandwiches to South Asian cuisine was consumed, teens roamed, residents visited dozens of booths manned by community groups, those seeking elected officials and businesses while the kids got the best deal with rides and event especially for them.

"Can I hold the alligator?" asked one small boy to the 'gator's handler as the reptile seemed content in the bright sunshine.

Sponsored by the Belmont Lions Club, the collection of animals – an owl, rabbits, a chicken, turtle, goats, lizards and that one smallish alligator – were some of the new or expanded events this year.

The annual event, sponsored by Belmont Savings Banks and put on by the Belmont Center Business Association, raises funds for student scholarships, for improvements to the Center and the equally popular "'Turn on the Town' Holiday Celebration" in December.