ST. GEORGE — Revelers gathered in the Historic Downtown district of St. George Friday evening to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of George Streetfest, St. George’s monthly nightlife offering.
Appropriately themed “Back to School George,” the event acted for many as a final farewell to the summer as students across Washington County prepare to return to the classroom Thursday.
George Streetfest is held the first Friday of every month and starts at 6 p.m. High heat kept crowds low at the beginning of the event but as the evening wore on, people began to fill the streets. People of all ages could be seen enjoying the sounds of street musicians, eating food from several of the food truck offerings and playing games found at several vendor stops.
The large crowd proved good for vendors, businesses and organizations who use the street festival as a way to draw attention to what they sell or what their cause is.
Both newcomers and staple businesses alike expressed their satisfaction with the crowd turnout and the opportunity they had to spread the word about themselves.
“This is a great event,” Erin Miner, marketing specialist for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, said.
Friday marked the first time the animal sanctuary — which is located in Kanab — has participated in George Streetfest and Miner said they are already planning to return.
For Miner, the event was a great way to let the people of St. George know about their animal sanctuary and to give attendees more information on the work that happens at the sanctuary, she said.
One group that has benefited from their involvement with the street festival has been Bikers Against Child Abuse who have had a presence at the event since about November of 2015, said “Beans,” a member of the group.
Because of their presence at George Streetfest, Beans said, people in the community are beginning to recognize members of the group around town and are greeting them in stores and waving at them in the streets.
Bikers Against Child Abuse are dedicated to helping children. Beans said the street festival has helped them to raise awareness for their cause.
Representatives from restaurants such as Main Street staple, 25 Main and relatively new restaurant Even Stevens both said that in terms of brand awareness having a presence at the street festival is ideal because of the large and diverse turnout.
“It helps a lot,” Kelli Sanchez, a barista at 25 Main, said. “It has been really successful in helping us let customers know where we are. I enjoy all the people.”
Because the street festival attracts people of all different ages, businesses can target their largest demographic while also branching out to new demographics, Even Stevens marketing manager Chris Chiang said.
“Back to School George” offered a little something for everyone Friday with several talented street musicians, the always popular Desert Pulse Jazz Garden, games and activities at several booths, live entertainment on the main stage, art exhibits and the George Dollar Movie screening of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” held in the Electric Theater.
For more information about George Streetfest, or to become a vendor, visit George Streetfest online, or email [email protected]. George Streetfest organizers are now accepting applications for street market vendors, buskers, and food vendors.
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Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse raise awareness for their cause at George Streetfest, St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
George Streetfest attendees dance to the music in downtown St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Sound and Stone perform on the street during George Streetfest held in downtown St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Sound and Stone perform on the street during George Streetfest held in downtown St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Sound and Stone perform on the street during George Streetfest held in downtown St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Patrons purchase snow cones and choose their own flavor combinations from a food truck at George Streetfest, St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Street vendors make balloon sculptures during George Streetfest, St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Olivia, 3, poses on a dinosaur sculpture from the St. George Children's Museum while attending George Streetfest, St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Peppers Cantina sells street tacos and other offerings at George Streetfest held in downtown St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Crowds enjoy strolling along Main Street during George Streetfest in St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
A child enjoys cotton candy at George Streetfest in downtown St. George, Utah, August 5, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
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It a well put together project by the city and business owners. got two listen two music had a bit two eat. it was worth the time we took two get there.
One would have to assume it’s the pills. You simply can’t be this stupid.
Yep, isn’t that just Amazing???
God Bless You
We had a fantastic time and everyone was singing and dancing it was a joyous occasion for one and all …praise the Lord !