Festival

The Pope’s Parade Route on Sept. 23rd “Security gates will open for the Ellipse and the National Mall at 4:00 a.m.”

By Prince Of Petworth

parade
via http://walkwithfrancis.org

From Walk with Francis.org:

“The viewing area of the open motorcade route is free and open to the public. No tickets are required, however spectators will need to pass through security. Security gates will open for the Ellipse and the National Mall at 4:00 a.m. on September 23 and will close at 10:00 a.m. No one will be admitted into the area after that point in time. No food or drink may be brought in from the outside, but concessions will be available for purchase. Once inside the perimeter, attendees will not be allowed to leave and re-enter until the Holy Father’s Popemobile tour is complete.

FAQ: Papal Parade Route

Where is the location of the parade?

On Wednesday morning, September 23rd after leaving The White House, Pope Francis will travel along 15th Street, Constitution Avenue and 17th Street NW. Participants are invited to line the streets on the Ellipse and National Mall to cheer on Pope Francis as he drives by in the Popemobile.

Where can I see the Pope?
On Wednesday morning, September 23rd after leaving The White House, Pope Francis will travel along 15th Street, Constitution Avenue and 17th Street, NW in the Popemobile. People who wish to see the pope are invited to line the streets around the Ellipse and the National Mall to see Pope Francis as he drives by in the Popemobile.

What time does the parade take place?
The parade is scheduled to begin sometime around 11:00 AM.

Do I need a ticket?
No! Access to the viewing area will be on a first-come, first-served basis. While tickets are not needed, everyone will be required to go through security.

What time should people arrive?
Access to the viewing area will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. While tickets are not needed, everyone will be required to go through security. Gates to access the viewing area will open at 4:00 AM and will close at 10:00 AM. No one will be admitted into the area after that point in time. Once inside the perimeter, attendees will not be allowed to leave and re-enter.

What is the best way to get there?
People are encouraged to travel using public transportation. The closest Metro stops include: Farragut West, Farragut North, McPherson Square, Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and Smithsonian. All Metro stations are less than a mile from the event.

Where is the entrance to the parade viewing area?
There are multiple entrances to the viewing area, including:

East of the Ellipse on Constitution Avenue
West of the Ellipse on Constitution Avenue
East of the Washington Monument near Jefferson Drive and 15th Streets, NW
West of the Washington Monument near 17th Street, NW

Can we bring in food and drinks? (more…)

This is pretty surreal – “Marijuana Contest at the DC State Fair”

By Prince Of Petworth

pot
Alex Jeffrey, executive director of DC NORML, examines one of the entries. (Photo by: Joe Morcos) via DC State Fair

Earlier this morning we talked about all the neighborhood festival action happening this weekend including the DC State Fair. Just got the following email which just felt so surreal to me, awesome, but surreal:

“For the first time ever, the DC State Fair, now in its sixth year, will host a marijuana growing competition: The Best Bud Contest. This is also the first time a state fair has ever successfully hosted such an event.

Fifty-six people registered to compete in the much-buzzed-about contest. The contest is a concept of Fair board members and Frank Asher, the owner and founder of Old City Farm and Guild.

The DC State Fair will be held on September 12, 2015, from 12 noon to 8PM at the Old City Farm and Guild located at 925 Rhode Island Ave NW. This year is the first time that the annual Fair, which has traditionally partnered with other neighborhood or arts festivals, will be held as a standalone event.

CRITERIA & JUDGES

Judges will critique the buds based on a variety of criteria:

Appearance: Is it well manicured? Does it have Trichomes (sparkling crystals)?
Odor: What does it smell like? Does it have a sweet, spicy, or musky smell?
Touch: Is it sticky? Does the stem snap or bend?
Your Story: Did you grow your plant organically? Did you use artificial light, natural light, or a combination? Was the plant grown hydroponically or in soil?

No one will smoke or ingest the buds for judging or recreation during the competition.

The Best Bud entries were first examined in a preliminary round of judging that took place on September 5. Photos and video from the day will be made available to press upon request.

The final round of judging will take place at the Fair on September 12 at 4:15 PM. (more…)

Neighborhood Festival Alert – Columbia Heights Day, DC State Fair, 17th Street Festival and SnallyGaster are Saturday – Adams Morgan Day is Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth

festivals
Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering

Rest up Friday night because Saturday is fixing to be epic (and damn you naysayers – show Adams Morgan some love on Sunday too.)

10th Annual Columbia Heights Day Festival:

The end of summer street party is almost here! Join us for the 10th annual Columbia Heights Day, a festival celebrating the diversity of, our community and its many vibrant businesses.

The fun starts with Columbia Heights’ food vendors, a beer garden, and live music. Then get to know some of the great causes organizing right here in Columbia Heights. Themed tent areas let you explore the world in our cultural section, check-out the beautiful work of local artisans, and take a moment to focus on your health and wellness. For the truly adventurous, we challenge you to run through our version of an adult warrior obstacle course, including a moon bounce! Families can also enjoy the festival together at the Bloom Bar Fun Tent and at our Fun Field (located on Harriet Tubman Elementary School yard). We will see you on Saturday, September 12!

Where: 11th Street, from Park Road to Kenyon St
When: Saturday, September 12
noon – 6pm
Ticket Price: Free”

Note from MPD:

“On Saturday, September 12, 2015, the Columbia Heights Neighborhood Festival will take place in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, the following streets will be closed from 6:00am-8:00pm:

11th Street NW, between Kenyon Street and Park Road, NW
Lamont Street from Sherman Avenue to 13th Street, NW”

6th Annual DC State Fair

“The sixth annual DC State Fair will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015, from Noon to 8PM at Old City Farm and Guild located at 925 Rhode Island Ave, NW. For the first time in the DC State Fair’s history, it will be held as a standalone event to showcase the District’s food, culinary, and artistic talent.

“Old City Farm & Guild is thrilled to have the DC State Fair back for another year, said Frank Asher, Owner and Founder of Old City Farm and Guild. “The Fair is a leading example of what DC can be in regards to community, to neighbors coming together, and represents what kind of people and good citizens we have within the District. The overlapping missions of the Fair and Old City make this venture and partnership a great thing.” The mission of Old City is “where people and plants come together.”

CONTESTS

The DC State Fair is hosting more contests than ever this year — adding Compost, Best Bud, and Cut Flower contests to an already extensive list. Traditional contests such as Pie-Baking, Honey, Heaviest Fruit, and Pickled Foods will also he held. The Ice Cream contest last year was a big hit, and the Fair is bringing it back this year, along with the long-time favorites: Tastiest Tomato and Homebrew.

ENTERTAINMENT

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to enjoy events on the main stage — including the judging of the DC State Fair Pie, Homebrew, and Best Bud contests and the announcement of all winners. The Fair has also lined up performances by DC’s Hand Dance Association, the YMCA, Lennon English and the New Soul Republic, Near Northeast, and much more. Local deejay Mary Nichols, a.k.a. DJ Fusion, will keep the music flowing in between mainstage events. For the first year ever, the Fair will have an Educational Tent, where craft, gardening, and cooking demos will take place all day.

The final band of the day, Near Northeast, is a DC-based music project that has been writing tunes since 2014. The band members have roots across the globe, and the resulting musical influences come everywhere from Latin America to the Middle East to Appalachia, and the band mixes folk ballads with post-rock soundscapes while incorporating effects, harmonies, and the occasional ukulele and cajon breakdown.”

6th Annual 17th Street Festival:

“The 6th Annual 17th Street Festival date will be on September 12th from 12-6PM! The 17th Street Festival is a free community event that celebrates the 17th Street Corridor from R Street to P Street. Festival Includes: – Art Show – Business Specials – Entertainment Stage – Kids Zone Sponsored – Local Vendors – Pet Zone – Presented By: Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets”

Note from MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department and the Department of Transportation would like to inform the public of street closures in conjunction with the 6th Annual 17th Street Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2015.

The following streets will be closed from, Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10am through 8pm

17th Street NW between R Street NW and P Street NW”

And don’t forget SnallyGaster beer festival extravaganza is at the Yards on Saturday too.

Adams Morgan Day:

“The naysayers said there would be no Adams Morgan Day in 2015, but the local businesses and residents of Adams Morgan said otherwise. The neighborhood has banded together to revive the longest continuously running neighborhood festival in the nation’s capital. The 2015 Adams Morgan Day celebration will take place Sunday, September 13, from noon to 6pm, along 18th Street NW and Columbia Road.

So here comes Adams Morgan Day. Here comes the neighborhood. Out goes the meat-on-a-stick. In comes the hyper-local events hosted by the businesses lining 18th Street and Columbia Road and neighborhood volunteers.

“This is a festival powered by volunteers. Each resident and business is volunteering their time, energy and in some cases, their own finances. The Corinto Gallery, for example, volunteered to design our 2015 Adams Morgan Day logo and t-shirts,” says A. Tianna Scozzaro, a local resident who is volunteering as lead coordinator for the festival.

This year’s festival will be different. 18th Street will remain open to traffic. Many of the visual artists who used to be found at Arts on Belmont will display their work inside restaurants and businesses along 18th Street and Columbia Road. Local bands will grace impromptu stages at The Brass Knob, Libertine, Roofers Union and The Black Squirrel, among other locations. And area restaurants will provide the street food instead of outside vendors.

Some things will stay the same. The SunTrust Plaza at 18th and Columbia will feature performances by bands on the new Spotluck Stage, with acts being organized by Songbyrd . The Adams Morgan Partnership BID will staff a table with maps on the opposite corner next to the Adams Morgan “Festivus” kiosk and pole. The Dance Pavilion and Children’s Center will take place on the Marie Reed Community Center playground and tennis courts.

Here’s a partial list of activities planned for Adams Morgan Day. (more…)

Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage is Sept. 12th

By Prince Of Petworth

soldiers_home

From a press release:

“President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home  
Approximate address: 140 Rock Creek Church Road, NW
Saturday, September 12th, 2015
 10:00am – 3:00pm | FREE! 
Register for Family Day

Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage is back! On Saturday September 12th 2015 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, you’re invited to join us on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home as the Lincoln family did at the fourth annual President Lincoln’s Cottage’s Family Day event. Family members of all ages will enjoy the live entertainment and creative activities inspired by the Lincoln family and their life at the Soldiers’ Home! (more…)

“On tap: corndogs, music & more” at the USDA’s Farmers Market Friday Night

By Prince Of Petworth

county fair farmers market usda

From USDA:

“The August 21st Night Market will include members of Union Kitchen, a Washington, D.C.-based food incubator, who will offer many of the traditional foods associated with state and county fairs. Union Kitchen members as well as food trucks from DC, Virginia and Maryland will offer menu items served on-a-stick like savory firecracker shrimp, cake, corndogs and key lime pie. Of course, no fair would be complete without funnel cake. Food Trucks participating include Reba’s Funnel Cakes, Fava Pot, Carolina Q, Crab Cab, and RockSalt. There also will be exhibits including 4-H displays from the University of the District of Columbia, other agriculture exhibitions, demonstrations, unique attractions and fun competitions. Market visitors will be able to dance to the energetic, foot-stomping tunes of Notes from the Underground, a DC-based Newgrass trio that performs innovative acoustic folk music drawing on Bluegrass, Jazz, Irish and Old-Time traditions.

If you’ve never taken a ride on the Carousel on the Mall you may get a chance on the 21st for free! 100 free tickets to ride the carousel, which will be operating until 7:30 p.m., will be among the game prizes awarded at the market.

The USDA Farmers Market is located next to the People’s Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden maintained by USDA employee volunteers and steps from the museums on the National Mall. [12th and Independence Ave, SW] Visitors to the August 21st Night Market can explore the garden, play corn hole and picnic on the lawn.

So if you are in the DC area, please join us on Friday, August 21 from 5-8 p.m. There will be lots to eat, see and do!”

First Adams Morgan Day and now the Bastille Day Party Departing Too!?!

By Prince Of Petworth

adams_morgan_banner_18th_street

Tough times for Adams Morgan Festivals (an abbreviated Adams Morgan Day is in the works but still) – now the ‘French Maid Relay Race’ at L’Enfant Cafe is moving to NoMa this year.

From a press release:

“L’Enfant Café is proud to announce the 11h annual Bastille Day party, a cultural celebration of all things French, on Saturday, July 11 from 3pm to 10pm. After celebrating the 10th anniversary on Vernon St last year, the folks at L’Enfant have decided to re-locate the fête to sister venue, Wunder Garten (150 M St NE), the all new beer garden space in NoMa.

Entry to this year’s event and D.C.’s biggest masquerade ball is $7. Advance ticket purchase is required and capacity is limited. Purchase online through www.lenfantcafe.com or www.wundergartendc.com. Guests will storm the Bastille via M St NE, just steps from the NoMa metro stop (Red Line).

The memorable performances have also moved to the new location, including can-can dancers, a New Orleans style brass marching band, burlesque dancers and the royal guests of honor, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.

The signature folly of the event, the world-famous ‘French Maid Relay Race,’ will take place at approximately 6pm in which racers, men and women, must each wear the risqué black and white maid costume while running back and forth across the street in order to fill a Champagne glass with soup spoons of water. Très chic! Contenders must pre-purchase a costume, with ticket purchase, before the limited supply is sold out.”

This Sucks – Adams Morgan Day Cancelled This Year

By Prince Of Petworth

adams_morgan_day
Happier times

One of the oldest neighborhood festivals is not happening this year. WAMU reports:

“Beset by a crisis of leadership, tens of thousands of dollars worth of unpaid bills to the city and a possible federal investigation into financial irregularities linked to a former D.C. Council candidate, the organization that sponsors the festival — Adams Morgan Main Street — recently concluded that it wouldn’t be able to put on the festival in 2015.”

You can read the whole sordid tale here.

There’s been a lot of ups and downs with the day in recent years but this is very sad news. Hopefully they make it back in full force for 2016.

adams morgan day canceled

Second Annual Kennedy Street Festival Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

2014 Kennedy Fest Street Scene

“EVENT: Second Annual Kennedy Street Festival
WHERE: Kennedy Street NW, between 3rd Street and Georgia Avenue
WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 2015 – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

DETAILS: The second annual Kennedy Street Festival returns this Saturday, June 20, along Kennedy Street NW from 3rd Street to Georgia Ave. This community-driven, crowd- funded event includes artist and artisan vendors, live music, activities for kids and adults, and information on what’s coming next to our long-overlooked corner of DC.

Highlights will include street performances by jazz, soul, classical, folk and root-rock musicians. You’ll be able to complete a neighborhood scavenger hunt or buy raffle tickets for a chance to win Washington Nationals tickets, donated by At-Large DC Council member Elissa Silverman. Look for specials and guests at local favorites Culture Coffee, Andrene’s Cafe, Tony’s Place and Taqueria D.F. Local arts vendors include our local master wood carver Boluwaji Omisore, our funky thrift purveyor Vintage Glam, new local screen-printers Aniton Ink, and many more. Food trucks including Street Cream, Timber Pizza, and Karat Cakery will be filling neighborhood niches.

This year we’re marking 100 years of Kennedy Street (more or less!), which was laid out across the farmland of what is now Manor Park, Brightwood Park, North Petworth, and 16th Street Heights between 1911 and 1918. Today, Kennedy is the commercial heart of these neighborhoods, with huge untapped potential to be a walkable, locally-serving main street. We’ll have several DC government agencies and neighborhood volunteers on hand to talk about what’s coming to Kennedy Street NW, including two streetscape improvement projects, a restaurant and apartment development, and more.”

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