Festival of the Arts and the Local First Street Party are happening on the exact same weekend and it begs the question, "Why can't these two get together?"
Ok, while there is no drama between the two groups, I have to ask if these two will ever hook up.
First, Festival of the Arts is a festival devoted to providing 45 years of arts entertainment from people within our region on many stages throughout downtown (with a regional art show and plenty of kids' activities).
The newcomer, Local First Street Party, is about showcasing local food, chalk art, a giant Jenga and Connect Four game, plus more musical talent of our region on a single stage -- with plenty of filler from break dancers and eye-candy from the athletic prowess of Audacious Hoops and her professional hula hooping.
One big difference is that at Local First you can actually be an adult out in the open and have a beer, and this gives the strong advantage for folks wanting to celebrate one of downtown's biggest employers, the brewing scene. Local First's offering this year for beer is Founders Brewing Co.'s Pale Ale, Red's Rye, and All Day IPA.
Another huge leap is that Local First's Street Party organizers are proudly proclaiming that this year's event will attempt to be a zero waste event. And that my friends is an amazing leap for all our events to consider. (The Creston Neighborhood Association's Living Green in Creston committee made their annual pancake breakfast events zero waste two years ago, so it can be done with intentionality on all of our parts.)
To determine for yourself which event works best for you and your (birth or chosen) family please visit:
#LFStreetParty
Website
#FestivalGR
Website
Or if you are like me, maybe you will find room for both. Just remember you can only open carry that beer at Local First legally.
Admission: Free.