Harriston Street Party returns with some minor changes
HARRISTON – Downtown Harriston is gearing up to welcome visitors to this year’s Harriston Street Party, Aug. 8 from 9am to 2pm.
Not much is changing this round but there are some minor layout modifications guests can note.
Due to ongoing construction and detour routes, Elora Street will remain open for traffic.
“And Queen Street ... will be closed, and that’s where the Leslie Motors car show will be,” stated Erin Raftis, Minto marketing and community development coordinator.
“And then Maitland Street, which has been closed in the past, will be also closed.”
Elora Street businesses will participate in the event, with many to feature special sidewalk sales.
“We’ve hired a crossing guard to help people get across Main Street to the other side, where we have Tannery Park that has the Minto Maker’s Market, as well as lots of the businesses are doing special sales, sidewalk sales and takeout, grab-and-go food options,” said Raftis.
Live music has always been a feature of the Harriston Street Party, and this year will feature an infusion of youth.
“We hired five youth musicians to play in different locations, kind of at staggered times in the downtown, to hopefully get people circulating around different areas,” said Raftis.
“They’re all local youth who, at least, I think started at Norwell. Some of them have graduated now, but they come back and they will play for us between 9am and 2pm, usually for two-hour sets each.”
Most of the entertainment on offer will be making a return to this year’s event.
Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon animals and, of course, the fan-favourite foam party, will all be offered.
“We’re also hosting a business decorating contest where, if you vote, you will be entered in a draw to win a $100 gift card,” said Raftis.
Following the street events, the Harriston Legion will keep the party going with music, a food truck and a cornhole tournament in the back parking lot of the Legion from 3 to 6pm.
The Legion is also running an evening dance starting at 7:30pm.
Those looking to participate in the cornhole tournament can register at harristonlegion.ca/events.
