Last weekend as I wandered Detroit's Cass neighborhood's Dally in the Alley, I kept saying, "Wow, this is great," but never did I say, "Grand Rapids needs one of these." We have our own local street fair and it is just as grand, in my opinion.
The 38th Annual Eastown Streetfair is this Saturday and it is going to be huge, as nearly 100 vendors will create the ultimate neighborhood street party again in Grand Rapids' answer to New York's East Village.
Staring at 9 a.m., this annual celebration of art, creative commerce, food and music will electrify Wealthy Street.
Over the day and into the night, 16 of Michigan's finest bands will perform on one of two official stages (the outdoor RastafaRye Stage at Wealthy and Lake, and the Toasted Lager Stage inside Billy's Lounge -- and Mulligan's: Other Side will feature it's own nighttime entertainment as well). While the selection of musical talent is as diverse as Eastown, the headliner is Eastown's very own Mustard Plug, a band celebrating a huge anniversary milestone this fall.
Debuting this year will be a first-time venture, the Eastown Dog Down -- a distinctly neighborhood-inspired Hot Dog Eating Contest where a limited field of contestants will have an opportunity to compete. Creston's Red Ball Jet Café will also be debuting their pie eating contest on this same day, so the lucky contestant, if they play their cards right, could get their dog and dessert, too.
If you have never been to the street fair, please note most vendors are cash only, but plan on seeing great deals on clothing, jewelry, T-shirts and modern sock monkeys, as well as the obligatory selection of hippie tie die wear.
Admission: Free (see their website for complete list of bands.)
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