Takoma Park Street Festival Draws Regional Crowd

Thousands of people from across the region crowded onto Carroll Avenue on Sunday for a day of food, art and live music at the 29th Annual Takoma Park Street Festival.

At one point, the streets were so packed with people, it was difficult to pass through. Not that it kept most from having a good time. 

"I live in Gaithersburg, but I come out every year for this," said Jennifer Jarrett.  "It's a great day, I love it. I love the vendors, the music is great, and I look forward to the food… all of it."

There was no shortage of amusements to keep even the most jaded from enjoying themselves. The fair, which ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offered 18 musical acts on three stages, more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, plenty of food, and dozens of community groups, churches, schools and non-profits for people to check out. There were plenty of attractions for younger festival-goers as well, including a moon bounce, a giant slide and face painting.  Homeowners along the route took advantage of the foot traffic, and held an impromptu neighborhood garage sale.

Many folks, like Maureen St. Denis, had a hard time pinpointing their favorite aspect of the day.

"The street festival food, the vendors, the music," said St. Denis, when asked to pick her top choices.  "The whole experience."

Upon further reflection, the music seemed to win out. "Obviously the music is the number one attraction, but everything, every bit of it. The food, the art, everything."

Music was in the air throughout the day, with three acts and hour on three stages sprinkled throughout the route. The fair featured an eclectic mix of musical styles, with many area bands represented, including Englishman & The Shango Band and Joe Uehlein and the U-liners. The Sweater Set, consisting of good friends Maureen Andary and Sara Curtin, charmed the audience with their intricate soprano harmonies and the whimsical use of the ukulele and xylophone. 

Crowds were healthy size at most shows, with many people tapping their toes, singing along, and even dancing along to the music.  The Natty Beaux band, who describe themselves as a mix of roots rock, zydeco and rockabilly, got audience members taking it to the streets, and several couples could be seen swing dancing.

Many festival attendees praised the quality and selection of arts and crafts available, which ranged from handmade jewelry and fine art, to pottery and handmade soaps. Several vendors with booths at the fair said they give back a portion of their proceeds to good causes, in keeping with the charitable spirit for which Takoma Park is known.  Mirasa design, which creates hand-made, eco-friendly baby toys and bedding, said they give a portion of their profits towards school funding in India.  Another vendor of African shea butter products said they work directly with a women's cooperative in West Africa.

Non-profits like the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, which passed out biking maps and cycling safety information, found the street fair a perfect way to spread the word.

"Sometimes people stop by because they already know about our organization and just want to say hi and see what we've got new and exciting coming up," said WABA Events Manager Chantal Buchser.  "Some people stop by who are looking to start and having the resources here is helping them get going with that, and it's been great. It's a fun event."

With all the music food and fun, the day passed quickly and all too soon it was time to pack up.  Many lingered past the 5 p.m. closing time, with kids dashing for one last moonbounce ride, and others lined up for a funnel cake before the streets were turned back over to cars.  All in all, the Takoma Park Street Festival seemed to go off without a hitch, and most people said they would definitely return the next year. 

Silver Spring resident Abby Turner is one first-time attendee who said she would likely be back next fall.

"If the weather is nice like today," said Turner, "and it's not too hot, this is a great time of year for a street festival."