Seattle Press on Line - University District Street Fair Brings Food and Fun

University District

University District Street Fair Brings Food and Fun

By Chelan David

May 09, 2002 -- No matter what your vision of a fun-filled weekend might be, the U-District Street Fair probably has something that will pique your interest. From local rock 'n' roll bands to storytelling for children to over 300 arts and crafts booths, Street Fair offers a diverse mix of activities for all ages.

The event started 33 years ago with the hopes of creating a market where people could trade goods and ideas while supporting the arts community and celebrating individual creativity. Over the years it has exceeded all expectations and developed into a major event that draws close to 50,000 visitors over a two-day period.

According to Susan Harper, Street Fair director, the event first started as part of the healing process for the U-District in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and continues to promote harmony and a sense of community.

"We use our community's own resources and want to connect the U-District neighborhood with the fair," says Harper.

Although the fair has always centered on the U-District area, Harper notes that she has placed extra emphasis on getting the entire neighborhood involved. This year, bands from various local schools will perform and University of Washington students have been actively recruited to work as volunteers so they can become more familiar with the community they live in.

Part of the allure is the eclectic mix of arts and crafts booths, and one of the requirements for operating a booth is that the artist must be present, which offers a great opportunity for art aficionados to interact with local artists.

"The arts and crafts at Street Fair make the festival very unique," explains Harper. "Items range from the ridiculous to the sublime and are things you definitely can't find at Wal-Mart."

In addition to the wide array of arts and crafts, music fans can enjoy live entertainment on four different stages while an additional stage will showcase youth in the community. And in keeping with the theme of reflecting U-District's resources, the food courts will have an international flavor with many different types of cuisine represented. Mediterranean, Thai, Indian and Chinese will be just a few of the food samplings offered.

The fair will include a procession starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday--a colorful parade featuring costumes, puppets and music--winding down University Way with pomp, circumstance and the beat of a samba band. Harper, who is in her second year as director, points to the procession as a way that the Street Fair has evolved, yet kept the original manifesto of creativity and harmony.

"Last year, with help from our friends at the Fremont Arts Council, we put together the first ever Street Fair Procession and it was so successful that we plan to do it every year. It's a great celebration of uniqueness mixed with creativity and everyone is welcome to join ... except for naked bikers," laughs Harper.

The procession is another example of strong community involvement, as many of last year's participants created masks and banners for it during a public workshop held the weekend before the fair. The workshop, which will be held this year at the University Heights Center on May 11 from noon to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public, with donations accepted. The Street Fair provides the art supplies, and volunteers will be on hand to help craft masks, silk banners and miscellaneous forms of parade attire.

The Street Fair has not only been a huge asset to the residents of the U-District but has also been important to local businesses in the area. In addition to prompting a huge increase in sales over the weekend, the high-profile event raises overall awareness of businesses in the area.

This year, new plans for the "Ave Project" will be unveiled at the festival. This project calls for the revitalization of the U-District and the facelift will include wider sidewalks, pedestrian-level lighting and landscaping enhancements. These improvements will support businesses along University Way be creating a more pedestrian-friendly street.

It seems only fitting that plans for a new U-District will be unfurled at the Street Fair. The area may soon have a new look, but the Street Fair will continue on just as it has for the last 33 years. "I'm so thrilled to be the director of this incredibly fun event," says Harper enthusiastically. "I'll be sad when this year's event is over but will already be looking forward to Street Fair 2003!"

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Lavender Moon Bath Shoppe	Nov 14, 2002	Bremerton, Wa	make bath products
We would like some information on how we can get a venders booth at the 2003 fair. Can you e-mail us all the pertinent info, please? When, booth rental, etc? Thanks


Fatou Shaheed	Apr 30, 2004	Seattle	flea market seller
I would like some information about how to get a vender booth at the street fair. I am selling fragrances. Thank for help.


aditya	Mar 03, 2005	singapore	aaa
your rude