Every neighborhood has its flashpoint moment. Heritage Hill saw the approaching shadows of wrecking balls and mobilized to save their grand old estates from becoming strip malls. Creston watched one of their last financial institutions prepare a final withdrawal before gathering the troops to create an engaging and vibrant corridor.
And Eastown, the site of the 40th anniversary of the Eastown Street Fair, had its moment years ago when area residents became alarmed over the massive white flight and sought to stabilize their community by encouraging neighbors to come together via a street fair.
“It was much rowdier then as bikers lined in front of the Eastown Saloon (Billy’s) to wet their whistles,” says Eastown resident of over 40 years and Gallery 154’s Ron Lichetenstein. “It's great to see that it's still going on 40 years later, family friendly and bigger and better than ever.”
The festival this year will fill Wealthy Street and a few feeder streets with activity from food vendors (many from the local Eastown restaurants) and more than 100 merchant booths, who will be offering an array of items reflecting the bohemian culture of this neighborhood that is truly built on the grassroots power of organizing.
There will even be socially driven vendors from area agencies, including the do-good debut of the
Friends of India - a new local NGO created in the neighborhood that is refelctive of Eastown's culture of compassion as this new organziation seeks to care for the mentally and physically disabled orphan children at India’s Prema Vasam Orphanage.
But what would the Eastown Street Fair be without the music offerings at the Wealthy Street stage or on Billy’s Stage inside Billy’s Lounge. All told, 17 acts will perform throughout the day, including diverse acts like The Veloras, Jake Stilson, Cabildo, and the ever-outrageous PotatoeBabies. In between the acts, local community leaders, politicians, and even media personalities (including Rapid Growth) will be there to share from the stage the excitement of this grand event.
If it gets too hot, you can always slip into any one of the area’s eateries or shops to cool off, but be sure to experience the street performances, the children’s activities, or All City Kicks’ 3 pm Raise for Raze battle in the parking lot behind their Ethel St. location.
Event organizers say parking will be scarce, so take advantage of the city becoming more bike-friendly by using the bike lanes to get there and then using the corral provided by the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition. For a complete list of their event details and times, please visit their
site.
Admission: Free