The second annual event celebrating local businesses, talent and community is setting up shop this weekend along the lakeshore.
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Local First, a Grand Rapids-based organization supporting and advocating for locally owned businesses, is hosting its second annual Lakeshore Street Party celebrating all things local from 3-9 p.m., Aug. 1, in Washington Square, which is centrally located between 18thand 19th streets in Holland.
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The event
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The Lakeshore Street Party highlights local businesses and talent during the community event located within the heart of the Washington Square Business District on the south side of Holland. Although the event is free to attend, food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase.
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Samantha Vandenberg, marketing manager at Local First, said the Lakeshore Street Party celebrates the businesses, people and talent that make Holland such a unique place to live and work.
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“What is great about this street party is we are spotlighting a business district that is really rooted in the community, but it is kind of off the beaten path of downtown Holland,” said Vandenberg.
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Several of the local businesses participating in the Saturday event include New Holland Brewing Co., Vander Mill, Lemonjello’s Coffee, Wood Truck BBQ, JK’s Bakehouse & Deli, Just Enjoy Bakery and Ray’s Tamale King. The organizations will be featuring a variety of cuisines, local beer and cider, and coffee on site.
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New for this year are a mini art show with art for sale and free rides for visitors from the bicycle taxi service known as PetalCab. The taxi service will be providing free rides downtown and around the historic neighborhoods from 7-9:30 p.m., according to Vandenberg.
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The lineup
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The entertainment lineup kicks off at 3 p.m. with belly dancing by Moveir Dance Studio, and is followed by interactive hula hooping with Audacious Hoops at 3:45 p.m. Other groups participating during the street party include Mystic Dub, a reggae band; Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues; an interactive Latin dance demonstration; and Grupo Super Nova, which is an upbeat Latin fusion rock and mariachi group.
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Local First has also partnered with Westcore Neighbors and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland to organize activities for kids, such as face painting and art making.
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Background
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Local First launched the inaugural event along the lakeshore last year after a number of businesses located within Washington Square expressed interest in having a street party in Holland. Based on the success of the first Lakeshore Street Party, Vandenberg said the organization decided to host it again.
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“Last year we just had a really great event. It was a rainy day and we were really surprised by the amount of people that still came out and supported the businesses and events,” said Vandenberg. “People were dancing in the rain and it was just really a fun thing.”
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Elissa Hillary, executive director of Local First, said the Lakeshore Street Party is a great way for participants to connect with family, friends and neighborhood businesses.
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“We’re excited to celebrate the unique, diverse business district and community in Washington Square and in Holland,” said Hillary.
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The second annual event is sponsored by a number of organizations, including print sponsor Schreur Printing & Mailing, New Holland Brewing Co., Vander Mill, Branch Capital Management, Crown Motors, West Michigan Community Bank, Junebug Photography, Auto Body Experts and Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio.
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