stART on the Street
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Location
\n\nstART on the Street takes place on Park Avenue from Highland Street to Pleasant Street in the heart of Worcester\, MA. Keep in mind if you use directions obtained from an online mapping service\, some neighborhood streets will be re-routed during the festival (use Park Ave &\; Highland St. for a destination). The festival is large and there are not many places to sit down so plan accordingly - comfortable shoes and pack some sunblock! \;{Rain date - September 25th}
\n\nAbout the Festival
\n\nIf you'\;ve never been to stART on the Street\, the festival consists of 250+ artists and crafters displaying their items for sale in the center of Park Ave\, some with tents. The festival route is lined with area businesses\, stores and restaurants. The Highland Street end of the festival includes historic Elm Park with grassy areas perfect for picnicking. The Pleasant Street end of the festival includes a few youth activities area and interactive activities for all ages are mixed in throughout the whole festival. \; Stop and catch a demonstration - dance\, fencing\, ironwork\, even hair art...we have it all! Centrally located in the Spencer Bank parking lot is the Food Court \;with seating areas and public rest rooms.
\n\nParking
\n\nPlease be mindful of no parking signs and do not block any narrow streets near the festival. Free bicycle parking is available from Worcester Earn-a-Bike (corner of Elm St. and Park Ave). Although there is no one specific parking area for stART on the Street\, there are MANY side streets and small lots around Park Avenue. \; Please be aware that Bank North (at 295 Park Avenue is open on Sundays so do not block their business parking spaces as you may be towed.
\n\nInformation
\n\nInformation booths are located at either end of the festival\, \;where you can purchase nifty stART on the Street merchandise. Also find band and performance schedules or get general event info.
\n\nArtists &\; Crafters
\n\nOver 250 arts and crafts vendors will be selling their handmade items. Not all vendors accept credit cards so it is best to bring cash to pay for your purchases\, although there are some \;ATM machines \;along the festival route. Planning on purchasing arts and crafts??? (of course you are)...purchase a stART on the Street shopping bag to carry your goodies\, available at the information booths for just $5.
\n\nBands
\n\nThere will be 3 stages set up on the street (one in Elm Park) offering varied performances throughout the day. Street acts will perform throughout the festival and selected bands will be selling CD&rsquo\;s and other promotional materials &ndash\; hey &ndash\; if you like their music\, support them and buy their stuff!
\n\nStreet Performers
\n\nPerformers are located throughout the festival area. \; We have some exciting acts coming this year!
\n\nKids Activities
\n\nKids Activities are located all along the festival route. Activities include face painting\, button making\, the building "\;block party"\;\, and more that sponsored by local organizations. Most activities are free. Please do not leave children unattended at the festival.
\n\nFood Court
\n\nLocal food vendors will be offering a wide variety of selections in the Food Court and along the festival route. Most food vendors accept cash only. Tables and chairs are provided but feel free to bring a blanket or chair and relax in nearby Elm Park. \;
\n\nNon-Profit Organizations
\n\nOver 50 local organizations will be spreading the word about the wonderful programs they host in your community. Find them along the sidewalk of Park Avenue along Elm Park.
\n\nTrash and Recycling
\n\nNumerous trash receptacles will be available throughout the festival. Please properly dispose of your trash and recycle your cans and bottles.
\n\nAlcoholic Beverages
\n\nAlcoholic beverages are not allowed in public areas at stART on the Street. Park Grille\, Leitrum&rsquo\;s\, Haiku and El Basha restaurants will be open and offer full bar service on their property.
\n\nPublic Toilets
\n\nPortable toilets are located in the Bank of America lot at 255 Park Avenue and in front of the Alarm building across from Elm Park.
\n\nPets
\n\nPets are welcome at stART on the Street but please be a responsible pet-owner and keep the festival area clean and keep dogs on a leash! Some vendors have very fragile displays and items so we must ask that you keep dogs out of a vendor'\;s area unless they individually say it is ok. \;
\n\nEtc.
\n\nKeep in mind there is little or no shade on Park Avenue &ndash\; wear sunscreen or a hat to protect yourself from the sun
\nThe festival ends at 6pm which gives artists limited time to pack up before the street re-opens. Do your shopping early to give them ample time!
\nWe are always seeking volunteers at the festival!! Want to help \;out? Visit the volunteer booth.