By Melanie Jacob
Journal Staff Writer
Starting on Aug. 22, Main Street is going to be bumping and jumping like people have never seen it before. For the first time ever, the Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting Streetfest, a two-day event that will include a headline act, food vendors, music, and more.
"I think it's something to celebrate. It's a family-oriented event," said Alfred Washburn, a member of the Streetfest committee. "Like any community, people want to get out and partake of something fun and unique. Humboldt hasn't seen something of this level for a long time."
The event begins that Friday afternoon and is free to the public. There will be sidewalk sales, food vendors, and a kickoff barbeque for people to enjoy. For the average "foodie," the BID has included a special twist. The theme of the event is "artsy and unique," so residents will be able to enjoy food that's more creative, different, and probably ethnic in nature.
Live entertainment runs from 2 - 4 p.m. and the beer gardens open after 5 p.m. Music entertainment will include opening bands Gravel Hound and 40oz. Philosophy, followed by the main headlining band, Kenny Shields and Streetheart.
"It's like a downtown party," said Roy Hardy, city manager for Humboldt. "From the city's perspective, it's the type of activity and partnership we like to encourage. It bodes well for the city by revitalizing and promoting downtown."
Not only is it a fun event for residents of all ages, it's also a chance for local business to display their wares. People can come and see what local shops have to offer without needing to go into every single store. Moreover, the entire event is like one big advertisement for visitors and business merchants looking to set up shop somewhere locally.
"If anything, the whole concept is to build community and connections," said Hardy. "It builds on the mix of who's here and what are the types of businesses that would benefit from being downtown."
Although the afternoon portion of the event is free for residents, the evening concerts cost $35 per person. Purchase of a ticket will also include a coupon book for local shops, which might even stay open late on Friday.
Saturday morning will include more sidewalk sales, food vendors, and a multicultural stage at noon, during which time the beer gardens will be open.
"We want to create a lively and vibrant downtown," said Washburn. "A vibrant downtown is the flagship or anchor for any downtown. We're trying to do anything that will improve the economy."
The event is being assisted by various organizations such as JCI, the Humboldt Regional Newcomer Center, Arts Humboldt, and is being sponsored by Conexus. It's a big risk and a big investment the BID is making in the hopes that many people will come out to enjoy it. If it's a success, the committee is hoping it can become an annual event.
"It's a chance for something great," said Washburn. "Hopefully this will bring new people to our community and hopefully it snowballs from there."
"It's bringing back a real sense of community spirit to the downtown and that's really healthy," said Hardy. "That's part of becoming a creative community in this part of Saskatchewan."
Main Street will be closed starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 22 from 5th Ave. to 7th Ave., including a small portion of 6th Ave. both east and west of Main Street.
