AMHERST — North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst will be filled with be a celebration of all things Amherst on Thursday, Sept. 19 as the Amherst Business Improvement District, has announced its 11th Annual Block Party.
The annual event has become a cherished tradition in town drawing thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Amherst. Aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers and a variety of street performers will fill downtown with performances friendly for all ages. Attendees can also look forward to a lineup of live music and performances that showcase local talent and exciting acts.
“We are incredibly excited for the 11th Annual Block Party,” said Amherst BID Vice President Sarah Barr. “This event is a celebration of our community’s spirit and Amherst’s vibrant culture. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate and support our local businesses.”
In addition to the live entertainment, local restaurants and retailers will line both sides of North Pleasant Street, adding to the showcase of the offerings a night out on the town can be in Amherst. There will also be tables set up from a number of local nonprofits.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Downtown Amherst for an evening of joy and community,” added Amherst BID Board Secretary and co-organizer Tony Maroulis of this year’s activities. “Our local businesses are the heart of this event, and we’re excited to see the community come out in full force to support them.”
Maroulis told Reminder Publishing fans of the block party can expect another fun year celebrating the community. He added when the BID had first conceived of the idea, they wanted the street closure to allow people to be outside in downtown, walking the street and showcasing some of the town’s offerings.
“Owning that street as a pedestrian walkway, what I think we’ve all experienced, those of us that have been there over the years, is a heightened sense of community, a lot more smiles and just very different interactions that we have that are pleasant, surprising and exciting,” Maroulis said. “Add to that the music, the festive nature of the acrobats, the stilt walkers that are coming through town — it’s festive, it’s fun, it’s eye candy and it brings us all together.”
Maroulis said he felt the block party has become one of Amherst signature events and the BID is happy to be a part of the community.
“We’re an organization that’s made up of landlords and institution partners. The reason why we come together and do something like the block party is to engender and create a sense of community spirit. This organization – we’re a part of the fabric of town, we’re excited to be a part of the town, and this is one way of giving back to the community that gives so much to our local businesses,” Maroulis added.
The Amherst BID invites all residents, students, families and visitors from across the valley to join the festivities and experience the fun and excitement of the block party. For more information about the 11th annual block party, visit www.amherstdowntown.com.
