Dust off your dancing shoes, grab some neon leg warmers and head bands, then get ready to pound the pavement as the third-annual Summerlyn Retro Street Party is set to return to Bradford’s Ward 4 this summer.
Thanks to the efforts of organizers the Street Party Collective and sponsors, the section of Blue Dasher Boulevard between Empire Drive and Sundragon Trail is set to transform into an all-ages party celebrating the ’80s and ’90s from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Performances are planned to include magician Scott Dietrich, singer Kayla, classic rock from Feedback, the return of Canadian club artist Joée — possibly with another special musical guest to be revealed at a later date — as well as local artists The Cara Lea Band, known for rock, pop and old favourites.
Guests can also look forward to face painting; children’s games; appearances from local firefighters and police; ice cream, snacks and refreshments from vendors; plus a raffle with “crazy prizes,” according to Ward 4 Coun., collective member and event MC, Joseph Giordano.
“Every day we’re getting more and more people jumping on board,” he said. “Everyone wants to chip in.”
Giordano called the event a “beautiful partnership” to support both local businesses and the community, with last year’s star performer Joée keen to return this year.
The councillor’s own band, The Dadbods, are also set to return in a new evolution called Feedback, performing '80s hairspray rock and dance tunes, with the lineup now including local, Frank Batista.
“I’m really excited about playing, because I think this band that we have is really well put together and we sound fantastic,” Giordano said.
With the popularity of the street party growing and its reputation of family-friendly fun spreading, the collective member said he’s heard from residents who have begun scheduling their summer vacations differently to ensure they can attend.
“I’m excited for a lot of people to experience this for the first time who couldn’t make it the last two years,” he said.
Being a street party in a residential area, the focus is hyper local, with admission free, but limited to residents and guests of residents from Ward 4, which includes the Summerlyn, Dreamfields and National Homes neighbourhoods with the ward stretching from Holland Street West, north to Line 9 and from Professor Day Drive west to Sideroad 10.
Organizers expect to have 1,500 wrist bands available, and eligible households are permitted to reserve seven at a time to help ensure everyone in the area has a chance to attend and the option to bring family and friends.
Organizers are asking guests to make a donation, which will be collected for the Helping Hand Food Bank, and along with support from sponsors the collective are once again planning to partner with Peter Reali of Reali’s No Frills to make a wholesale purchase to “maximize” the contribution.
It’s difficult to say if this year will top last year’s donation of $15,450 worth of canned items, as Giordano noted that “everybody is struggling financially.”
“The goal is to bring the community together; the bonus is how we’re able to help other people in the community,” he said. “The goal is just to do what we can as a neighbourhood.”
Organizers are also looking for both youth and adult volunteers to help with the event.
“A lot of the high school kids get involved and they do such a great job helping out,” Giordano said. “They get to hang out and have fun all day and they get their hours.”
The event is expected to go ahead rain or shine, and while organizers are hoping for help from mother nature, both crews and patrons proved their determination after a windstorm and tornado warning were unable to upend last year’s party.
Portable washrooms and hand-washing stations are planned to be available, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, water bottles, sunscreen and anything else they may need for the outdoor event.
Parking is planned to be available for 24 hours on both sides of Blue Dasher close to the event, but guests are encouraged to walk if they can.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit the event website. Those looking to volunteer can email [email protected].
Event sponsors include:
- Executive sponsor: Bradford Wolves
- Stage Sponsors: Rose Real Estate Team, Union FC
- Performing sponsors: Si2 Investigations, National Homes, Addictive Deign
- As well as many local community sponsors
