Buchanan Street Stroll debut

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTOS Belvidere Republican
The crowd at the Buchanan Street Stroll became larger throughout the afternoon.

Editor

Even with a stormy, rainy morning, the clouds cleared up, the sun came out, and the inaugural Buchanan Street Stroll was a great success. Buchanan Street was blocked off for people to stroll with their food and beverages. Whitney was also blocked off for one block north and south of Buchanan for guests to visit food trucks, vendors, and activities along a whole two-block area of the street and nearby parking lot.

Tables and seating were set up on the street for guests to better enjoy the food and socialize with friends, family, and other ‘Stroll’ers in the community. Special drink cups could be carried around the blocked off area but were not allowed beyond the barriers. Police officers, young men in the Police Explorer program, and Volunteers in Police Service were all on hand to answer questions and keep traffic moving safely.

There were food trucks where ‘Stroll’ers lined up. Since this was the first of the Strolls, vendors did not know what to expect and at least one truck vendor ran out of food. Even the restaurants began to be concerned about their own Stroll specials because so many people participated – with enthusiasm.

Bucktooth Sugar Bush, played on the corner of Buchanan and Whitney from 1 to 3 p.m. and Trash 80s, played from 3.30 to 6 p.m. A bags tournament was played on the opposite corner. The Girl Scouts provided kids activities, which included launching bottle rockets. PCF (Power Combat Fitness) was organizing tire flips on the grass. Craft vendors filled the parking lot just up the street and games for kids were thoroughly enjoyed. Color Me Purple, the Science Truck provided mind-challenging games and the booth for Power 106.3 radio held down the Main Street end of the lot. “We’re having fun,” said ‘Stroll’er’ Pete Dickerson, who was attending with his 5-year-old daughter, Gabbee. “There’s lots of neat stuff for the kids. Good music. We like it.”

For complete article, pick up the Aug. 22 Belvidere Republican.