Warrenton plans to revive street fair

Posted 11/7/19

By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Warrenton city officials are in the early planning stages to revive a downtown street fair. The festival would be much like Catch the Glow, a former annual …

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Warrenton plans to revive street fair

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Record Managing EditorWarrenton city officials are in the early planning stages to revive a downtown street fair.The festival would be much like Catch the Glow, a former annual event, but also would be combined with Auto Fest, a one-day car, truck and motorcycle show.Officials last week said they plan to move the street festival from its normal June dates to Saturday, Sept. 26.“It would be our initial plan to have the car show early afternoon, along with appropriate entertainment” in the evening, Director of Operations/Finance Officer Terri Thorn said.The city formerly sponsored Catch the Glow, an annual street fair that featured a variety of food booths, children’s activities and live music in late June. It was last held in 2012. The event was previously organized by the Warrenton Downtown Association from 2001-2009.Catch the Glow normally drew thousands of visitors to the downtown area.“We’re hoping somebody can come up with a creative idea for a name for it,” Mayor Mike Shilharvey said. “Basically we want to stress getting back to a street fest for Warrenton residents, Warren County residents. We want to have vendors, food, games for kids, a family affair and live entertainment. That is what we are trying to get back to.”Preference will be given to Warrenton businesses to serve as vendors for the festival, Thorn said. Outside vendors would be approached to fill spots if needed.In the past, some Main Street businesses were angered by competition from out-of-town businesses or had their entrances blocked by booths. Some also thought the celebration had lost its family-friendly image and sometimes gotten out of hand.When city officials discussed the street festival at the March 3 board of aldermen meeting, it was mentioned that the Sept. 26 date will conflict with Relay For Life of Warren County and a Boy Scout wiffle ball tournament.“No matter what weekend you pick, there will be come conflict with other communities or things going on,” Shilharvey said.Warrenton plans to revive street fair


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