There is a feeling of celebration in the air in downtown Owen Sound! For the first time ever, Second Avenue East (800 and 900 blocks) will be closed to allow for a 5 day long summer street festival which will include live music and other entertainment, children and family activities, artists and artisans as well as a variety of outdoor cafes, food trucks and other vendors. "Summer Streetfest On Second" has been developed and organized by the Owen Sound DIA. Created in the spirit of celebrating the birthdays of our city and our nation, the DIA has organized events with the concept of promoting fun for all ages and bringing locals and tourists alike to explore downtown Owen Sound.
The event has been designed with different themes that will appeal to every age group. Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 are Children & Family Days, Wednesday, July 5 is for all ages with a special emphasis on seniors and Thursday, July 6 and Friday, July 7 are geared towards a celebration for all ages and feature free live concerts on the street and other activities.
For children and families, there will be Dickie Bird shows, a scavenger hunt, laser tag, reptiles, an interactive family play, a puppet show, fun inflatables, street dancing and for the first time in Owen Sound – escape rooms which will be out in front of City Hall for the entire week. The activities vary with each day so be sure to check out SummerStreetfest.ca for a full festival schedule.
For the older crowd, there will be live music by the True Country Band, The Krueger Band, Matrix (an Afro Caribe/ World Music & Steel Drum Band) and Bootleg Creedance (a CCR tribute band). There will also be street dancing with our dj, artists & artisans and outdoor cafes & food vendors. And for those who are 19+, they can look forward to enjoying a drink in designated areas in front of H20 and Sabitri's Global Cuisine. This is another first for downtown Owen Sound.
Admission to this event is free however there is a charge to participate in the Escape Rooms.
Also, the DIA, in collaboration with the Artists' Co-op, will also be holding a sidewalk chalk competition (Chalk-A-Block), as part of the festival on Thursday, July 6 from 1pm to 4:30 pm. The event is open to all ages and abilities. Chalk artists are asked to pre-register at the Owen Sound DIA website at: www.DowntownOwenSound.ca
For more information about this event, please see the attached event schedule or visit: www.SummerStreetfest.ca
Schedule of Events
Monday, July 3: Children & Family Day: 10 am - 5 pm
- Dickie Bird Shows (morning & afternoon)
- Casting Game with Sydenham Sportsmen Club (all day)
- Cuddly Buddies - Build a forever friend! (all day)
- Downtown Scavenger Hunt - win a prize! (all ages, all day)
- 9 Holes Mini Golf On The Street (all day) - Fun Inflatables (all day)
- Balloon Artist (all day) & Face Painting (10 am to 2 pm)
- Dance In The Street To Children's Music With Our DJ! (all day)
- Escape Rooms (all day & evening) - Book your time online at: www.GBEscapeRooms.com
- Artists & Artisans - Outdoor Cafes, Food Trucks & Vendors
- A Visit by Captain Owen
Tuesday, July 4: Children & Family Day: 10 am - 5 pm
- Laser Tag, Body Zorb Arena & Science Fun by Elephant Thoughts
- Daylight Choir: Join Community choir director Louise Jarvis and the Daylight Choir at the Ginger Press. Casual. No registration. No charge. All are welcome (10:30 am to noon)
- Sandcastle Theatre Interactive Family Show (11 am)
- Ontario Reptiles Display (all day) and Show (1 pm)
- Grey Bruce Friends & Neighbours Puppet Show (presented by CMHA Grey Bruce) (3 pm)
- Cuddly Buddies - Build a forever friend! (all day)
- 9 Holes Mini Golf On The Street (all day)
- Fun Inflatables - Dance In The Street To Children's Music With Our DJ! (all day)
- Escape Rooms (all day & evening) - Book your time online at: www.GBEscapeRooms.com
- Artists & Artisans - Outdoor Cafes, Food Trucks & Vendors
Wednesday, July 5: All Ages But With Emphasis On The Older Crowd: 10 am – 5 pm
- Highland & Ballet Demonstrations by Dawn Brennan Sutter & Eleanor Brennan School of Dance (11 am)
- Afternoon Concert by The True Country Band (1 pm)
- Dance in the street to the "oldies" before and after performances with our DJ (all day)
- "Owen Sound Colouring Book: An Illustrated History" – Come meet author Richard Thomas and Artist Ken Thornburn and learn more about this incredible colouring book which is filled with illustrations of significant buildings and individuals who have shaped this community. (3:30 pm at the Ginger Press)
- Escape Rooms (all day & evening) - Book your time online at: www.GBEscapeRooms.com
- Artists & Artisans - Outdoor Cafes, Food Trucks & Vendors
Thursday, July 6: A Celebration For All Ages: 10 am – 10:30 pm
- Afternoon performance by Look Up Theatre: Street Stilts (12 pm), Aerial Silks (3 pm)
- Sidewalk Chalk Competition: $500 in prizes to be won! (1 pm to 4:30 pm) - Please pre-register at: http://www.downtownowensound.ca/chalk-a-block-registration
- Dance In The Street With Our DJ! (all day)
- Evening Concert by The Krueger Band (7 pm) plus Look Up Theatre Aerial Silks (1st Intermission) and Vita Bowen: Fire Dancing (2nd Intermission)
- Escape Rooms (all day & evening) - Book your time online at: www.GBEscapeRooms.com
- Henna Tattoos by Shalimar Body Art (1 pm – 4 pm and 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
- Artists & Artisans - Outdoor Cafes, Food Trucks & Vendors
Friday, July 7: A Celebration For All Ages & Wrap Up Party: 10 am – 10:30 pm
- Children's Bike Decorating Contest & Parade with Owen Sound Police - Starting at 10 am
- Dance in The Street With Our DJ (before & after live performances)
- Afternoon Concert by "MATRIX" - Afro Carib / Steel Drum Band (2 pm)
- Evening Concert by Bootleg Creedence (7 pm)
- Escape Rooms (all day & evening) - Book your time online at: www.GBEscapeRooms.com
- Henna Tattoos by Shalimar Body Art (1 pm – 4 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm)
- Artists & Artisans - Outdoor Cafes, Food Trucks & Vendors
And don't forget about our Hottest Street Sale Under the Sun happening on July 8th along Second Avenue East from 8 am to 3 pm (rain or shine). Enjoy hot deals & sidewalk sales, artists and artisans, live music and family activities, artists and artisans and much more!
And don't miss the live concerts happening all day on the Summerfolk stage:
The Bear Cats: 9 am Our Shotgun Wedding: 10 am Deanne Hallman: 11 am The Lifers: 12 pm The Trevor MacKenzie Band: 1 pm Jayden Grahlman & Friends: 2 pm
source: media release, Owen Sound DIA
