Harriston Street Party to bring ‘summer fun’ to downtown
HARRISTON – Downtown Harriston is expected to come alive on Aug. 8 for the Harriston Street Party, a jam-packed celebration of community, family-friendly activities, shopping and summer fun from 9am to 2pm.
This year, the event layout has been adjusted to help maintain traffic flow during ongoing construction in downtown Harriston.
The Leslie Motors Classic Car Show is set to take over Queen Street between Arthur Street and Mark Lane, while plans are to keep Elora Street open to traffic.
Visitors can still enjoy special promotions from local businesses, great food and drinks, live entertainment and activities throughout the downtown.
Maitland Street will also be closed to traffic to be transformed into what organizers call a fun-packed kid’s zone featuring free face painting, glitter tattoos and balloons, an ever-popular foam party and more. Organizers recommend checking times for each activity.
New this year, attendees can also enjoy performances by a roaming magician set to entertain audiences throughout the event.
Another addition to the event will be live music by four young, local performers: Bernie Hale, Bridget Nickerson, Ivy Chung, and Ella Chung.
The musicians will be located in various areas in the downtown at staggered times throughout the event.
In addition to the Minto Makers’ Market held in Tannery Park, the Minto Chamber of Commerce is set to return to host the Summer Youth Market. The market aims to support young Minto entrepreneurs who are participants of this year’s Student Start Up Program.
Adding a little friendly competition to the day, Harriston Rising will be hosting a downtown business decorating contest. Local businesses will be encouraged to show off their creativity, with prizes awarded to the top three decorated storefronts. Visitors can cast their vote for the best display, and one lucky voter will win a $100 gift card to the winning business.
Organizers encourage attendees to stop for a bite at any of the various downtown restaurants offering special deals for the day. The Harriston Historical Society will also be hosting their annual fundraiser barbecue, and the Harriston Legion will be hosting its annual breakfast, as well as offering a break from the heat with drinks in their clubroom.
Though the street party wraps up at 2pm, the fun doesn’t stop. All are invited back downtown at 7:30pm when the Harriston Legion will host the Parking Lot Party behind their building.
“We’re excited to bring people together for another fantastic Street Party,” said town community development coordinator Erin Raftis in a statement.
“Even more of Harriston will be bustling with activity this year, as you tour the whole block to explore various activities. It’s a great opportunity to join us to celebrate everything that makes downtown Harriston such a vibrant place to be,” Raftis added.
For more info, visit: harristonrising.ca.
