The sidewalk sale that grew up
The Yellow Springs Street Fair returns once more on Saturday, June 12. What began about 30 years ago as the local merchants’ sidewalk sale has evolved into a blowout block party for the village of Yellow Springs according to Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce executive director Karen Wintrow.
The Street Fair is a day-long festival offering visitors food, art, clothing, jewelry and gifts, as well as music, street performers and fun activities. All the local shops and galleries will be open, many with Street Fair specials, in addition to the more than 200 vendors with items from local, international and fair trade sources.
“What is so wonderful about Street Fair,” says Wintrow, “is that … our local businesses are as much a part of Street Fair as the vendors that come in from all over Ohio and beyond.”
The Fair encompasses the core business district from the Music Festival and Beer Garden at the Bryan Community Center on the north to the Jackson Lytle Lewis Food Tent near Limestone St. on the south. This includes portions of Xenia, Walnut, Short and Corry Streets which will be closed to motorists during Street Fair.
The day opens at 9 a.m. with the Street Fair 5K starting at the Antioch Theatre on Corry St. and running along the Little Miami Bike Trail. Register for the 5K online at Destination- YellowSprings.com or call 768-5036 for more information.
In addition, there will be nonstop live music on the lawn of the Bryan Center from 12 to 7 p.m. starting with Blue Moon Soup and followed by Mercury Mouth, The Hoppers, Ryan Judy and Sawgrass, Austin Hicks, Dustin Vincent and Freekbass. Right next door, Peach’s Grill will offer a selection of eight microbrews for patrons to enjoy in the Beer Garden.
On stage at the Jackson Lytle Lewis Food Tent, Grace Adele and the Grand Band will be playing all afternoon, with the Egyptian Breeze Belly Dancers performing during breaks at 12 and 2 p.m. Throughout Street Fair there will be live street musicians and performers for visitors to enjoy while browsing and shopping.
For families and children there will be specialty activity areas. Preschoolers can try Spanish language immersion sessions with stories, songs and games at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in the Primary Languages booth. Children of all ages will enjoy making sand art, edible pixie sticks and listening to stories under the Story Tree at Mills Lawn School.
“Like Yellow Springs, Street Fair has an undefined magic,” Wintrow said. “It is quint-essential Yellow Springs from tie-dye to incense to beautifully hand-crafted art, jewelry and clothing.”
The Street Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is organized by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce with the help of volunteers, the Village of Yellow Springs and Miami Township Fire and Rescue and the support of its sponsors. Handicapped parking is available at the Municipal Lot on Corry St. near Xenia Ave. A free shuttle service will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from two parking areas. On the north side visitors can park at Young’s Dairy, 6800 Springfield-Xenia Rd. or on the west side park at Yellow Springs High School, 420 E. Enon Rd. Visitors are reminded that pets are not allowed at the Street Fair.
For more information, contact the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce at (937) 767-2686 or visit www.DestinationYellowSprings.com.
