The 27th Annual CityFest in Hillcrest isn’t just your average street fair. It’s an all-day extravaganza, complete with a 29-foot water slide, a flash mob and a beer garden that stretches an entire block.
Perhaps the most notable event of this year’s festivities is the nostalgic relighting of the historic Hillcrest sign. The sign lighting broke several months ago and the Hillcrest Business Association has been raising the funds to fix it.
“It’ll be the first time it’s been lit in months,” said Lisa Weir, marketing and communications program manager for the Hillcrest Business Association. “We’re using LED technology so that the letters that spell Hillcrest will be extra luminous. It’ll be shockingly bright.”
This sign unveiling echoes back to the original CityFest in 1984, which began as a celebration for raising $4,000 for a new functional lit Hillcrest sign to replace the original 1940 sign. Although it began as a small community event, it has grown to an attendance of more than 150,000 guests. CityFest now encompasses three blocks of Fifth Avenue, from University to Brookes.
Adults may enjoy a refreshing beer or cocktail in the beer garden between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. There’s no cost to enter the beer garden and drinks vary in price from $4 to $8.
“This huge space allows for people to enjoy a cold beverage on a hot day in the summer and stand beneath the Hillcrest sign,” said Weir. “It’s a unique experience within Hillcrest.”
The beer garden is also in view of the main stage, which will have live music from noon to 9:30 p.m.
For the first time ever, CityFest has teamed up with The Old Globe to feature a flash mob to “Time Warp” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. You can take part in the surprise performance by doing the iconic dance too. Visit CityFest’s Facebook page at facebook.com/cityfest to learn the steps.
Children and families can enjoy the kid’s pavilion at the south end of the event, where there will be a magician, face painting and other interactive games. The 29-foot water slide, located at Pennsylvania and Fifth, is a great new addition to the street fair.
With more than 250 vendors, CityFest has a wide assortment of booths to explore. Choose from a variety of food, ranging from standard carnival fare to healthy organic dishes.
“I’d encourage people to come hungry and thirsty,” Weir said.
There’s also a variety of arts and crafts and local businesses at CityFest and many of them offer raffles and other ways to win great prizes.
Celebrate community pride at CityFest 2011 on Aug. 14 from noon to 9 p.m. Entrance to the street fair is free.
Street parking is limited but there will be a free shuttle.
