This Saturday, the usual waves of traffic on Raymond Avenue will give way to pedestrians, vendors, performers, artists and animals when the seventh annual Arlington Street Fair takes over.
“It’s really a wonderful opportunity for people to get out on the street at a nice time of year and celebrate the revitalization of Arlington, the return of Vassar students and the return of Arlington students to school,” said Andrew Meade, chair of the fair’s organizing committee.
In planning this year’s event, organizers are largely sticking to the formula that has made it a success in past years, said Barbara Piro, a business owner in Arlington and member of the organizing committee. There will be two performance stages – one under a tent in the center of the fair, where musical acts will perform throughout the day, and another for dancers and other performers.
Also returning this year will be the Chili Cook-Off, now in its fourth year. Piro said proceeds from the Cook-Off will be donated to the local chapter of the Better Breathers Club, a lung disease support group.
The Arthur S. May Elementary School on Raymond Avenue will feature children’s entertainment, including carnival and pony rides and a petting zoo, and there will also be street vendors.
Co-sponsored by the Arlington Business Improvement District, Vassar College and the Vassar Student Association, the fair coincides with Freshmen Parents’ Weekend at Vassar.
The festivities run from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. Admission is free and parking is available in the Prime Financial parking lot and along neighboring streets.