By paNOW

Thousands descend on Downtown Street Fair

Jun 18, 2017 | 5:00 PM

Despite dark clouds overhead and rain shuttering festivities early, thousands flocked onto Central Ave. for the Downtown Street Fair.

The Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement hosted the 14th rendition of the downtown affair Saturday, where enthusiastic attendees took in everything on offer.

Over 36 vendors lined the streets and provided no shortage of intrigue. One could chow down at a food truck or take in live music, browse home-based vendors or peruse the downtown businesses that spilled into the streets.

“It has been fantastic and the crowds are coming in like crazy,” event coordinator Lisa Bourne said. Over 12,000 people gathered in 2016, and organizers were aiming to attract a similar number this year.

Bourne believed many people appreciated the festival atmosphere and explained the importance of luring people downtown.

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“It is important to show what our downtown has to offer as we have a lot of one of a kind unique shops and people don’t really seem to stop and take the time to notice them sometimes,” she said. “An event like this brings them to the downtown and they can see all these great shops we have down here.”

Pat Bliss, an artist whose work was on display, concurred. He said those who do not make it downtown often are missing out.

“It is a fantastic place. It is very historic down here and there are some fantastic businesses,” he said.

Mayor Greg Dionne echoed this and added how it was important to have an active city and to host family-friendly events that attract diverse crowds. He was proud to see organizations showcase downtown and show it is moving forward.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr