I just recently discovered Mister Rogers Neighborhood is on Netflix. I was so happy about it that I made my 12 year old sit through an episode with me. I had always loved the show, and re-watching it reminded me of what was so important to Mr. Rogers-community.
I talk about community a lot in many of my posts. The idea of supporting my community is very important to me. Not just in our larger community of Fresno, but even on a smaller scale- like in our neighborhoods. Being an active member of our community is key to the success of a thriving neighborhood. Knowing our neighbors, looking out for one another, sharing food, having block parties, saying hi…All of this is part of making connections and building relationships.
This leads me to an event happening in the Lowell community. The Lowell community is located in a historic part of Fresno- just North of Downtown, and South of the 180 Freeway. This community is filled with residents who love on each other. It has beauty and diversity. Four years ago a group of the residents on College Street wanted to create a family friendly event for the entire city, but within their community. Thus, the College St. Fall Festival was born.
Even though the College St. Fall Festival started out as a block party of sorts, it has now grown into something much, much bigger. (For their 3rd Festival, over 700 people came to the event.) The College St. Fall Festival is like a crafter’s/maker’s fair. It’s a place where people can come to shop, eat, watch the entertainment, and really just have a great time. One of the goals of the festival is to showcase the skills and talents of those in their community. The target vendors are artisans-those who can make things. Booths that they’ve had in the past include people who have made jellies or jams, home décor, flowers, photography, and pottery (one gentleman had his pottery wheel and was working on the spot). This is just a small list, and this year there will be so much more to see! Speaking of seeing things, there will be entertainment-dancers and music. Also, what would a festival be without food? So yes, there will be food as well.
The College St. Fall Festival is being put on by the community, for the community. Not just for the Lowell community, but for all of Fresno. So, let’s support this! Might as well get a start on Christmas shopping, right? Go down and find something cute for your house. Or, maybe you have a skill, and you make things. Do you quilt? Are you an artist? Do you make cute little Hummingbird Soda Fountains out of recycled bottles? If you’d like to be a vendor, it’s $40. If you live in the Lowell community, it’s only $25. They have 60 spots available. If you have a couple of friends who sell the same kind of things, maybe you can go in together and share an 10×10 booth. You can find the registration form online.
Lots of organizations have come together to make this event happen-The Lowell Community Development Corporation, On Ramps Covenant Church, neighbors, investors, and non-profits. This is an important event to their community. The Lowell CDC’s mission is to improve the quality of life within their community, and this event helps with that. It’s an event to be proud of. Let’s come together and help make it successful. It takes a village, right? Well, let’s just start with it takes a neighborhood.
College St. Fall Festival
200 block of College Ave, Fresno-93701
October 24th
10am-4pm
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