Merced group to kick off weekly street fair downtown

The Merced Community Development Corp. will kick off its first Merced Downtown Street Faire on Thursday, according to organizers, who said the event will run every week all summer.

Featuring food, crafts, live music and other attractions aimed at families, the first Street Faire will run from 5 to 10 p.m. in Bob Hart Square, at Canal and Main streets.

“Everything is free for everybody to do,” said Bangon Emanivong, the vice president of the corporation.

She said organizers have teamed with a number of downtown businesses and other service providers to hold the get-together. For example, she said, the Merced County Boys & Girls Club and Mentoring Odd Jobs Organization have helped to provide activities for youngsters.

Also partnering is O’Ryleigh’s Bar & Grill, she said, which has provided a local band. Payasita Caramelo the clown will offer free face-painting and balloon animals.

“The main thing is to get the community together and build business in our hometown,” she said.

This week’s effort is just the tip of the iceberg, Emanivong said. Organizers have planned a number of themed nights for the event, which runs through Sept. 1.

Look for a Polynesian Night, a Western-themed offering and a pirate-heavy event complete with a treasure hunt, she said. Organizers plan to reveal the dates of the themed nights during the kickoff this week.

Main Street between K and M streets, as well as Canal Street south of 18th Street, will be closed during the Merced Downtown Street Faire. Emanivong said she wants to have car and motorcycle clubs rotate nights when they get to show off their favorite rides.

Emanivong also said she’s looking for sponsors for the weekly event. For more information, call her at 209-500-7773 or email mercedcommuntiydevelopment@gmail.com.

This story was originally published June 20, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Merced group to kick off weekly street fair downtown."