Festival will have people dancing in the streets

Port Washington residents and visitors alike will turn out in force on Saturday, Oct. 3, as the city hosts its annual fall street festival.

The free festival will include a host of activities, with live music at its core, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Franklin Street, which will be closed from Grand Avenue to Jackson Street for the day.

There will be two music stages, one at the corner of Jackson and Franklin streets  at the north end of downtown and the other at the intersection of Franklin Street and Grand Avenue at the south end of the downtown.

Conscious Pilot will bring classic rock favorites to the north stage at 1:30 p.m., with Pretty When She’s Angry performing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The country rock band Shotgun Jane will headline the south stage at 1:30 p.m., preceded by Windy Hope from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

In between the stages there will be a variety of activities.

More than 100 vendors will join downtown businesses offering everything from food and clothing to beverages and crafts.

There will be a family fun zone with activities geared toward youngsters and their families, such as games, a bounce house, face painting, photo opportunities and more.

There will be pumpkin decorating, caricatures and an opportunity for people to meet rescue animals from LARRS and Tailwaggers 911 Dog Rescue, as well as an infant care trailer.

A car show along Pier Street — an event that has become more popular through the years — will appeal to auto enthusiasts, while the Harvest Farmers Market will feature seasonal produce, baked goods and local favorites, along with a pumpkin weight-guessing contest.

Chalk artist Kaylee Goodman will demonstrate her craft at the market.

There will be free shuttle service from Hollander Chocolate on South Spring Street and the park and ride lot on Seven Hills Road so people can park outside downtown but still have easy access to the festival.

The festival is organized by Port Main Street Inc. and sponsored by Harbor Homes.

The festival began in 2008 as a way to celebrate the rebuilding of the city’s main street, but it was so popular that the event became an annual tradition, growing in size and popularity through the years.

For more information, go to visitportwashington.com.