The Town of Minto is preparing for the third annual Harriston Street Party on Aug. 12.
The first street party was initiated by the Harriston Downtown Revitalization Committee in 2015 as a street re-opening celebration after the downtown went through extensive construction from May to August that year.
“It was very well received by our business community and we’ve continued to carry it on,” explained economic development manager Belinda Wick-Graham at the July 4 council meeting.
She noted the time for the street dance portion of the festivities has been extended by one hour “by popular demand” so the dance will run from 8pm to midnight.
The event requires Elora Street to be closed from Mill Street to Arthur from 7am on Saturday to 1am on Sunday. A portion of Maitland Street will also be closed to accommodate bouncy castles.
“There’s a wide variety of things happening this year and it’s great because more and more groups and clubs get involved,” said Wick-Graham.
Activities for the 2017 event include: sidewalk sales, art at the Old Post, Crown Theatre film showings, a plaque presentation at the Harriston Town Hall Theatre and face painting.
In addition, the Minto Youth Action Council is sponsoring henna tattoos and an “amazing race” event, the Harrison Legion is hosting a breakfast and the Harriston Historical Society will hold a barbecue downtown.
Minto’s Savour the Flavours committee is holding its first “Savour in the Street” during the party.
Wick-Graham said the Savour the Flavours event will be a pig roast featuring pork from Harriston Packers and local farmers, with chefs paired up to provide desserts and side dishes. The charge for the meal is $25.
The Harriston Kinsmen are assisting with set-up and take-down for the street dance and Harry Stones restaurant is also providing assistance with the dance. This year, Wick-Graham said there will be $5 charge for the dance “to help cover costs.”
The Leslie Motors downtown car show is also “a big highlight” of the party, said Wick-Graham.
“Looks like a good time,” said Mayor George Bridge.
The party is funded through a $2,500 allocation from the Harriston Downtown Revitalization Committee budget.
