stART on the Street Takes Over Park Ave This Sunday

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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Expect Park Ave. to be decorated and filled for stART on the Street.

Worcester's largest art festival will shut down Park Avenue this Sunday, all the way from Pleasant to Highland Street.

stART on the Street's Fall Edition will feature over 250 artists, the majority from Central Mass, but some from as far as Maryland, and 40 stage and street performers. This year is also the 10th Anniversary of the first stART on the Street, and organizer Tina Zlody says there is a little more significance to this year's edition.

"It's a special year, and we're constantly expanding," Zlody said. "This year we're literally going to fill Park Ave. from Pleasant to Highland. In past years we've had a gap somewhere, but we don't have a gap this year."

If you happen to be around Park Avenue on Sunday, expect to see the street totally taken over by spray paint, sculptures, paintings and vendors setting up shop. Gabe Rollins organized all the different performers and is pleased with the variety and quality of performers assembled.

"We have so many different genres of music and different street performers," Rollins said. "Things like Celtic, indie rock, rock, folk, gypsy music, cabaret… All sorts, so chances are there's going to be something for everybody."

Also look for other local favorites, such as Worcester Roller Derby (WoRD) and a ton of different interactive features.

"We have stone carving, we have a blacksmith that comes out," Zlody said. "So, people can see blacksmithing and possibly lend a hand in that… There are hands-on exhibits for every age group, and it's amazing the things you'll get to see and do."

stART on the Street is a free, family-friendly event, but donations are always appreciated to keep the festival running. Festivities begin at 11 am and conclude at 6 pm. For more information, visit the festival's website here.

"We have all different kinds of food, even vegan options," Zlody said. "It's basically a huge party out on Park Ave. and it's free, so there's no reason not to come."