By MICHAEL SOUZA
WESTERLY – Get ready for a block party.
On Saturday Oct. 17, 2009, the streets in the center of town will be closed to traffic for the Downtown Westerly Block Party. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. and will last until 8 p.m.
The rain date is the following Saturday, Oct. 24.
Anya Blu, a clothing boutique and the Downtown Business Association (DBA) are sponsoring a family friendly, adult event.
“There will be fun for children, and the local shops and restaurants are getting involved to show what they have in store for adults,” owner Stefanie Gabriele said in a recent statement.
“This event is something that I came up with to bring awareness to the business still thriving in this downward economy. I came together with the DBA to host an event in the heart of downtown Westerly, that showcases all types of businesses in Westerly, Pawcatuck, and Mystic.
“We really wanted to have a celebration with five local bands that will be performing throughout the day along on a professional stage in the middle of High Street, with some other acts in between.”
Among the activities are a dunking tank, kid’s games, several area bands, food vendors, skateboarding, local wineries and breweries and disc jockeys, as well as a sidewalk sale representing the downtown businesses.
And if that is not enough, it will also feature shopping, art, a kid’s corner, street vendors, martial arts, a drumming circle, skate demos, hooping demo and more.
Bands include Soul Shot, Boomchuck, Flav Martin and Konfin’d.
“This is something that Westerly has not seen before, it showcases street vendors such as clothing stores, art, food, cell phone dealer, tanning salon, photography, radio stations, jewelry, yoga, non-profit organizations, gifts, law office, massages, chiropractic, physical therapy, nail salons, solar company, insurance company, holistic centers, restoration company, and much more,” Gabriele said.
“It is time for us to band together and support each other within our community to keep spirits high, and costs low during these tough economic times.”
There will also be a “beer and wine garden” behind Perks and Corks that will host free samples from local winery’s and breweries. DJ’s will be spinning the hottest hits there, from 2 – 8 p.m.
The Church at Westerly is sponsoring a kid’s corner from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. with children’s crafts, a moon bounce, bungee run, and dunking booth.
Town & Shore Reality will also be hosting open houses at several of the downtown storefronts. |
