In an effort to get people outside, moving and enjoying the late-summer air, as well as an opportunity to meet with local businesses, sports and health organizations, FYCC has teamed up with local businesses to off the inaugural Open Streets STMA event, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
The event will be held on Main Avenue between 60th and 58th Street and in Albertville, and along Central Park. Booths will line the road with activities in the park space.
Open Streets movements have made their way through areas as far away as Ontario, Canada to nearby Buffalo. Downtown Buffalo saw more than 2,000 people head downtown for its Open Streets event last month.
“I think it’s an awesome way to get out and have a fun morning before the weather changes and we’re all cooped up inside,” said Sandy Greninger, head of FYCC. “We’re looking forward to it.”
Fellow sponsors are Live Wright (the county’s health-centric organization), North Wright County Today, and other local supporters.
Saturday’s events will include: soccer demonstrations from STMA United Youth Soccer at the Indoor Facility (across the street from FYCC), face-painting, board breaking, art projects, games, giant jenga, drawing tents, kids games, bike tune ups, ladder golf, free coffee, chair massages, hula hoops, crafts, food samples, and a bouncy house. .
Food will be available from Dehmer’s Meats, Broaster Catering and the 152 Club.
This year’s event will be even more exciting than the last, organizers said, with a full crowd expected, new space (Main Avenue), new vendors and several local “good causes,” including All for Elli, Team Steph and Amy’s Legacy (Caribou Coffee).
“We think this is something we can offer the public every late summer or fall, and really bring people together to enjoy our businesses, our park and our community at one time,” said Mike Schoemer of NWCToday. “There should really be something for everybody who comes out Saturday to enjoy.”