Street Festival heads back to the future with a 1950s flare

March 19, 2016 · 0 Comments

This year’s very enthusiastic Street Festival committee members have been meeting on a regular basis to ensure that June 18’s day of activities is jam packed full of fun, fun, fun!

The events kick off at 10 a.m. this year, running through 4 p.m., all with a 1950s flare, going hand in hand with Oatman’s Classic Car Show, which saw close to 250 cars on display along Main Street and Owen Sound Street last year.

Back again by popular demand will be Tattoo Addiction and Widow’s Sons Masonic Riders Association, Dufferin Chapter’s Bike Show and Ride to which organizer Mel of Tattoo Addiction says attracted over 75 entries last year.

“Each year, we have had an increase of entries compared to the previous year and are anticipating the same this year,” he said.

The ride portion of this is event is to raise funds for MasoniChip, the Masonic Child Identification Program, which provides participating families with a safety package containing DNA, teeth impressions, photos and fingerprints for the worst-case scenario if your child ever went missing.

Last year’s Festival saw the addition of Bed Races, which was a whole lot of laughs for those watching and will be sure to have more entries this year.

Those who entered last year, however, can expect some slight changes to some of the rules.

“The Jr. Schooners had a great time holding the Soap Box Derby for the first time last year and we are committed to holding it again this year,” says Lindsay Wegener, their representative on the committee. This is a fundraising event for the Jr. Schooners and all proceeds from the entry fee for this event will go directly to their minor softball league.

Last year, this event drew huge crowds, cheering on all participants and anticipation is already growing to see if the cars that were built last year can be outdone this year.

As always, there will be a Children’s Activity Area which is being organized by committee member Virginia Millar, owner of Infinite Play. She already had some great thoughts and ideas, such as craft tables, face painting, bouncy castles and more.

The Open Air Market is being looked after by local celebrity Jamie-Lee Higgenson, owner of Prim Pickins’, who recently landed a deal on CBC’s Dragons Den.

The market starts at Main Street and heads north along William Street.

“I am trying to fill it with a good mix of local artisans, direct sales vendors, and food vendors, so there is something for everyone,” says Jamie Lee.

Also new this year, the committee is hoping to add a talent contest in which they are looking to local schools to hold the preliminary contests before sending their winners to a final which would be held at the Street Festival.

So far, they have Hyland Heights and Centennial Heights committed to participate and anticipate other local schools will jump on board with this event.

There will still be the popular ice cream eating contest, window dressing contest, and several bands and groups will perform 50s-style music and dance performances to entertain the crowds.

Mark June 18th on your calendar now as a day to spend downtown Shelburne.

By Michelle Janzen