Both Alma and Ithaca held successful outdoor events earlier this year now it’s time for a similar one in St. Louis.
The first North Mill Street Block Party will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday featuring a variety of activities for both children and adults.
“Many years ago (the city) did this kind of thing as a fundraiser for Penny Park but didn’t continue it once the needed money was raised,” Downtown Development Authority Director Phil Hansen said. “The chamber asked us if we’d like to do it since other Gratiot communities have done it this year with some success. It helps of course that they have a method in place after doing it a few times elsewhere.”
The event will include a cornhole tournament, bounce house, face painting, bean bag toss, Nerf gun shooting gallery, cookie decorating, and a s’mores-making station, among other activities.
“Some of our local churches have taken the lead on many of the games being provided,” Hansen said.
Those activities will all take place in the 200 block of North Mill Street.
Also, two bands will be playing in front of Woody’s Music throughout the event. Those who attend are invited to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment.
In addition, eight to 10 vendors from the St. Louis farmers market will have booths set up offering a variety of goods, and a cruise-in car show will take place in the city hall parking lot.
There is no cost to attend or participate in any of the activities.
“We hope the event draws a good crowd as there are things for adults as well as kids and families,” Hansen said. “It should benefit our local bars and restaurants and we want to encourage people to have dinner downtown that evening whether they want to eat inside or outside at picnic tables that will be set up.”
In addition to food, alcoholic beverages may be purchased and consumed outdoors in the blocked off portion of the street, he added.
“Fingers crossed for good weather,” Hansen said. “Looks at the moment like a nice fall evening.”
Fire pits will be set up throughout the block so those who attend can get warm in the event it gets a bit chilly, he noted.
For more information call the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-463-5525 or visit gacc.gratiot.org.
