All Entries Tagged With: "festivals"
Get your vintage fix in Ferguson…this Saturday only!
NOCO fans, you may recall that I wrote about the Better Block Project a few weeks ago. That’s the one-day event in which a handful of businesses will suddenly sprout up in downtown Ferguson, representing all kinds of fun possibilities for new economic activity.
As I said before, two lanes of Florissant Road will be closed down, allowing for sidewalk vendors, kids’ games and live music. What I didn’t mention is that I will be hosting a store myself!
For 25 years, my husband and I have been avid collectors of vintage and antique items, and to tell you the truth, we’re just plain full up. When we heard about Better Block, we knew right away that we wanted to participate. So lo and behold, we’ve spent the past week creating an antique store, loading up one of the old art studios at 27 S. Florissant with an eclectic mix of unique treasures.
Our store is called “Raw” because, frankly, we like to collect items that are a little rough around the edges. If you’re looking for fine antiques in perfect condition, you will be disappointed. But if you’re an artist looking for materials and inspiration, or a creative soul who needs a project, or just someone who appreciates character and a nice old patina, you will LOVE what we have to offer.
Within our store you’ll find furniture, original artwork, architectural salvage, vintage fabric, industrial light fixtures, glass terrariums, and a ton of wonderful paper goods that are just waiting to be framed, collaged or scrapbooked. Many of these items are projects I had hoped to complete myself one day, but if I haven’t used them yet, I never will. So it’s time to share the love and send all this creative potential out into the world.
Raw is essentially set up like a real store, but since it will only be open one day, my prices will be closer to what you might find at a nice estate sale. So bring your cash and get ready to buy! I definitely don’t want to haul this stuff back home.
When you’re done shopping, be sure to check out my Better Block neighbors: Creative Exchange Lab, Kickball’s Comics, Northern Arts Council, and the Klein Family Science Museum. Parking will be available across the street or behind the Savoy.
The Better Block Project runs from 10am to 10pm on Saturday, October 15, between Carson and Adams on S. Florissant Road. Raw is located inside 27 S. Florissant.
By the way, please no early birds…
Another rockin’ Streetfest weekend in Ferguson
Now in its 12th year, Ferguson Streetfest returns this weekend with two full days of live music and unique entertainment. As you probably know, it’s the largest outdoor music festival in North County. And for the second year in a row, my brilliant neighbor, music producer Peter Carson, was responsible for booking most of the talent.
The headline acts include two local tribute bands – one for Aerosmith and one for The Eagles – but you can also expect to hear blues, funk, country, soul and gospel music. I think Trixie Delight, shown in the video above, is especially entertaining.
Besides the music, festival goers can enjoy a wide variety of food and gift vendors, including the super hip clothing design duo, Leroy Fishstix, who re-purpose old clothes with fresh new screenprint designs. I’ll be heading to Streetfest just to see their stuff.
Other activities I may need to check out: the home beer brewing demo, the washers tournament, the Guns n Hoses Dunk Booth Showdown between Ferguson’s Fire & Police departments, and the always-favorite Manly Man High Heel Keg Relay.
For families, the children’s area will feature games, crafts, and entertainment including Joe the Juggler, BeBe the Clown, Mike’s Balloon Creations, tie-dye your own StreetFest t-shirt, a rock climbing wall, The St. Louis Disc Dogs, and from the City Museum, the Circus Harmony Performers, a Comedy Magic Show, Snowflakey Lady craft booth and a Petting Zoo.
To top it all off, the beer will be flowing like wine. You can even grab a locally brewed Belgian Tripel, direct from the Ferguson Brewhouse. Yum!
Ferguson Streetfest kicks off Friday, September 23, and runs through Saturday, September 24, at 11pm. It takes place outdoors at 20 S. Florissant Road, where the farmers market sets up. Admission is free. Lawn chairs welcome.
Friday
4-10pm home brewing demo, tie-dye t-shirts, rock climbing wall
5-6:30pm The Rough Riders
6-9pm Be-Be the Clown, Mike’s Balloon Creations
7-8:30pm Anthony Gomes
9-11pm Last Child
Saturday
noon-5pm home brewing demo, tie-dye t-shirts
1-4pm washers tournament, petting zoo
1:30pm Circus Harmony performers
2 & 3pm St. Louis Disc Dogs
2-5pm Mike’s Balloon Creations
2:30pm Circus Harmony performers
3-4:30pm Jim Stevens Group
3-6pm Dunk Booth Showdown (police 3pm, fire 4pm)
3:45pm Comedy Magic Show
4:30pm Manly Man High Heel Keg Relay
5-6:30pm Trixie Delight
6-7pm Joe the Juggler
6-11pm home brewing demo, tie-dye t-shirts
7-8:30pm Kim Massie
9-11pm Seven Bridges Road
By the way, if you’re longing for more of a carnival-type atmosphere, this weekend is also the parish picnic at St. Sabina in Florissant. Attractions include rides, games, a car show, a teen dance, a wine garden and lots of raffles and prizes…
Dellwood marks 60th anniversary with a festival
For most people in St. Louis, Dellwood is just a blip on the map, yet another tiny postage stamp of a town amidst our unique patchwork of 91 municipalities. But for me, growing up, Dellwood was my second home.
My grandparents moved there in 1969, following the wave of other North City residents who had migrated to the county. As a result, much of my childhood was spent at that little mid-century house on the left, riding bikes and climbing trees on a quiet street called Bon Oak.
My grandma didn’t drive at the time so we ended up walking everywhere – doctor’s office, beauty shop, corner market. And even into the 80s, when you could still see cows grazing at the corner of West Florissant and Hudson, Dellwood always had a charming, small town feel.
It was incorporated as a village in 1951 and later became a 4th class city in 1954. Today, measuring just 1.041 square miles, this community of around 5,000 people is getting ready to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
On Saturday, September 17, the city is hosting an Anniversary Festival at the Dellwood Rec Center, and all residents – past and present – are invited. The family fun goes from noon to 4pm and includes clowns, go-karts, kickball games, face painting, DJ music, free food and lots of raffles and prizes. Then from 5-8pm, it’s an evening under the stars for folks 21 and older, featuring a live concert by The Plush Band. Bring your lawn chairs, but no glass bottles.
And before you say….but Dellwood has changed, it’s not the same as it used to be….let me just stop you right there. Number one, everything changes. That’s life. Number two, have you seen the Rec Center lately? Despite the fact that Dellwood lost one of its largest revenue sources when Schnucks moved to Jennings a few years ago, the city has continued to invest in its future. And I have to say, the Rec Center is looking fantastic…
For more info about the Dellwood Anniversary Festival, which will take place at 10266 West Florissant Avenue, visit the city’s website.
Bargain hunters may also want to take note: Dellwood is hosting a citywide garage sale on September 24, 7am-4pm.
WOOF! Hazelwood Harvestfest goes to the dogs…
On the schedule for this year's Hazelwood Harvestfest: four amazing canine agility shows from the national touring Purina Incredible Dog Team
In 2010, the city of Hazelwood’s annual Harvestfest went green, celebrating the joys of our beautiful planet Earth. I happened to think that was pretty cool, and I was really looking forward to hearing what this year’s theme might be. Imagine my delight then, after just finishing a six-week agility class with my mutt/superstar, Butchy, to learn that the 2011 theme is DOGS! Or should I say… “Tribute to Man’s Best Friend.”
That’s right, Hazelwood is going “paw up” on September 10, hosting a full day of family activities that honor the loyal animals who often love us more than we love ourselves. The highlight of the festival, which takes place at Howdershell Park, is a visit from the Purina Incredible Dog Team, a phenomenal group of 30 shelter-rescue dogs and eight trainers who perform all over the country.
I’ve seen these guys in action – they are awesome! You’ll have four chances to watch them at Harvestfest: 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on September 10.
And here’s what else you can see and do at the festival, courtesy of Hazelwood’s Tim Davidson…
Harvestfest Parade
As in years past, Hazelwood’s 2011 Harvestfest will begin with a lively parade that begins at Hazelwood City Hall, 415 Elm Grove Lane, at 9 a.m. The best viewing areas for the parade can be found along Town and Country, Holiday, Imperial and Village Square Drives.
Groups and organizations are invited to participate in the parade by decorating floats and automobiles that represent this year’s event theme. In fact, designers of the preschoolers’ float have made plans to throw dog collar bracelets to the crowds of spectators along the street. Five cash prizes will be awarded to the best decorated/themed parade unit.
Music will be performed by the John Ford Highland Pipe Band and the Hazelwood West High School “Marching Wildcats.” After the parade ends, the bagpipers will roam around the park and play mini-concerts for the fair goers.
Miss Hazelwood Coronation
At 10:30 a.m., the reigning 2010 Miss Hazelwood, Nikki Napolitano, will host this year’s coronation ceremony on the stage of the St. Louis County Bandwagon located by the Howdershell Park tennis courts. To qualify as a participant, contestants must be young women between the ages of 15 and 19, as well as residents of Hazelwood. A $500 scholarship and other prizes will be awarded to the new queen.
Children’s Activities
The Children’s Activity Area will feature an inflatable obstacle course, a giant dual slide, and a Jurassic Zoo Play area for younger kids. An arts and crafts section will be set up inside the tennis courts where youngsters can get a stuffed, white autograph dog. They can color it with markers or use decorations.
For the early birds, a Petting Zoo will be available for the children’s entertainment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free pony rides will be offered to kids from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the Home Run Derby for kids age 7-12 begins at 11 a.m.
Another attraction added this year helps to promote and conserve the tradition of hunting. The St. Louis Gateway Arch Chapter of Safari Club International is bringing its 28-foot trailer that showcases 50 mounts of wild animals for people to see up close and touch. Kids can even have their picture taken standing next to a stuffed grizzly bear.
Horseshoe Tournaments
Two tournaments will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the horseshoe pits at the park. The format will involve random draw partnering. Registration for both events will begin a half-hour early. Admission is free and open to people of all ages. Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers.
Bingo Sessions
The Hazelnuts will carry on the tradition of sponsoring two Bingo sessions at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. underneath the new park pavilion. Anyone can play. Gift cards, small household items and snacks will be given away as prizes.
Musical Entertainment
The headline band for this year is NONSTOP ROCK, which delivers a 9-piece Classic Rock experience performed by some of St. Louis’ best musicians. According to La•De•Da Entertainment, NONSTOP is the Top Shelf Classic Rock Band in St. Louis. This group will perform from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the stage of the St. Louis County Bandwagon. NONSTOP features the music of Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Blues Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin. It also plays the popular hits of Motown, R&B, Southern Rock, Funk, Blues, and Jazz which elevates their “live” performance to a whole new level of entertainment.
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
Used Book Sale
At Harvestfest, the Hazelwood Community Enrichment Commission plans to host its annual Used Book Sale under a big tent. Fair goers can browse through hundreds of donated books in good condition and purchase them at a discount price. All proceeds will be used to purchase newspaper and magazine subscriptions for both recreation centers, to support the Commission’s “Reading is Elementary Program” and to provide resources for the Garden Club.
Arts & Crafts Show / Information Booths
An Arts and Crafts Show will be ongoing on the north side of the park. Also, an area will be set up for local companies to promote their products and services, as well as for charity groups to raise money with game or food booths. To reserve a booth space for any of these activities, call the Parks and Recreation Office at (314) 731-0980.
City Services Tent
Since they were so popular last year, the Parks and Recreation staff will be giving away grocery bags with Hazelwood’s “H” logo printed on them. Other items such as Frisbees, plastic bags used for pooper scoopers, and dog biscuits will be distributed as well. The City Services tent will also be the collection site for retired American flags. Residents with faded or tattered flags can bring them to the tent throughout the day. The collected flags will be given to the VFW for a proper disposal ceremony.
Hazelwood Harvestfest will take place Saturday, September 10, 9am-6pm at Howdershell Park, 6800 Howdershell Road, 63042. Admission is free.
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K