IN THE STREET COMING SATURDAY, OCT. 2ND
Looking for FREE fun for the whole family this fall? Head to Market Street in downtown Frederick, where the fun is IN THE STREET on Saturday, October 2nd. Voted best local annual event six years in a row by Frederick Magazine readers, this all-day festival promises to be better than ever!
The action starts at 8:45 AM with the Steeplechaser’s Mile foot race down Market Street. There are separate races for women’s, men’s and children under 13. For race information, contact Paul Spurrier, Race Director, at 240-409-6913.
Kids will love the IN THE STREET Parade, which begins at 10:30 AM. Marching bands, majorettes, antique fire engines and more will add to the day’s fun. The parade route begins at Thomas Johnson High School, moves south on Market Street, and turns west on Church Street where it ends.
The IN THE STREET block party kicks off at Noon along Market Street with eight-city themed blocks of fun, food, music and more. There are five stages of live music, two dance floors showcasing local dance acts, an entire block of children’s activities, plus activities by downtown merchants, including a Fashion Show by stores Velvet Lounge, and Social Study on the 2nd Street Stage at noon. Plus beer and wine sampling, strolling entertainment, and much more! Following is a listing of each themed block and what is has to offer:
KIDS BLOCK - All Saints to Patrick Street
This block will be filled with fun things for kids to see and do. Make a noodle necklace, or an animal mask, play with a parachute, or have your face painted! Don’t miss the clowns, jugglers and magicians wandering through the block. Not only that, but you’ll be able to hear all the great music from the Carroll Creek stage!
ON THE CREEK
Check out the stage sitting atop the water! The music will appeal to kids of all ages - from pirate sing-a-longs to pop and rock to reggae there’s something for every taste!
Then, head down to the creek’s side where you can also take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity - the Brush with Frederick Signature Event! For a suggested $1 donation you can sign your name to the Community Signature Board, right on the concrete along the creek! The goal is to have as many of Frederick’s 55,000 citizens sign the board as possible, creating a time capsule of our community below the surface of the future Carroll Creek Park.
Bring the kids to visit the Kiddiepillar, moon bounces and train chugging along the creek. On the water, enjoy paddleboats, canoes and kayaks.
ART BLOCK - Patrick to Church Street
This block combines the excellent talents of the performing and creative arts. Featuring painters, dance troops and theater groups, art block showcases Frederick’s vibrant arts community. Be sure to visit the dance floor on East Church Street to enjoy live entertainment throughout the day!
CHARITY BLOCK - Church to Second Street
This block is dedicated to the non-profit organizations that work so hard to make Frederick such a great place to live. Have your child’s picture taken wearing a firefighter’s uniform, or paint a pumpkin, while raising money for a good cause at the same time! Don’t miss the fashion show and live musical entertainment all afternoon on the West Second Street Stage.
CELEBRATE FREDERICK BLOCK - Second to Third Street
Devoted to service organizations, this block will inspire your sense of community spirit. Take time to find out more about the volunteer organizations in our area, and the exciting opportunities they offer! Also, stop by the stage at West Third Street to hear a great mix of blues, jazz and rock and roll bands during the day.
INTERNATIONAL BLOCK - Third to Fourth Street
Take a trip around the world, all without leaving Market Street! This block highlights the performers and groups that make Frederick so diverse. Watch a belly-dancing or Celtic dance exhibition on the Fourth Street performance floor, learn about the area’s growing Hispanic community, or listen to a story told in one of several different languages! Bring your appetite; the block includes food from around the world too!
BEER AND WINE SAMPLING - Mid-Block between Third and Fourth Streets
Come sample wine and beer from local vineyards and breweries - Elk Run, Lowe’s and Linganore vineyards, and Brewer’s Alley, Barley & Hops, to name a few. (21 years and older with ID.) $5 offers eight samples.
HEALTH AND FITNESS BLOCK - Fourth to Fifth Street
Want to get in shape? Let this block inspire you! See how straight your spine really is or see how you can tone your inner core in as little as 20 minutes! Stop by the Fourth Street performance floor to watch a martial arts, kickboxing or Reebok cycle demonstration. This block is sure to get you moving!
PUBLIC SAFETY BLOCK - Fifth to Sixth Street
Pay tribute to our local heroes who put their lives on the line daily for our public safety. Explore police cars or a Coast Guard boat, and check out products to make the air in your home or office safe. You can even find out how service dogs are trained! Then travel north on Market Street to the next stage of live music, located on West Fifth Street, playing throughout the day!
SPORTS BLOCK - Sixth to Seventh Street
“Are you ready for some ACTION?” This block has it all! Plus, putting the exclamation mark on the end of the Festival, don’t miss the live music all after noon from the stage at Seventh Street!
At 5PM the party moves from the street to the top of the Carroll Creek parking deck. This year’s ON THE DECK party features local band “The Reagan Years”, playing your favorites from the ‘80’s. A light bar and refreshments will be available. Tickets are $7, and can be purchased at the door (21 years of age and older.)
The fun doesn’t stop then! Many of the galleries, specialty shops and restaurants will stay open until 9PM as part of the First Saturday Gallery Walk. This year-long event features live entertainment, guest artists and exhibit openings at stores along Market and Patrick Streets, as well as Shab Row/Everedy Square.
This event is made possible by the generous support of our corporate community. Our 2004 sponsors are: Gold - BB&T, Bechtel Foundation, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Drees Homes, Farmers & Mechanics Bank, and Sandy Spring Bank; Silver - Bank One, CitiMortgage and The Frederick News Post; Bronze - Cellular One, Chessie Federal Credit Union and the Frederick Arts Council.
For more information, visit www.inthestreet.info or call 301-600-CITY.