Usually such events are conducted during our area’s cooler months, when people can, generally, enjoy wonderful weather with fellow residents and visitors. (An exception would be El Centro’s annual sizzling summertime Ice Cream Social, part of which includes the popular Rain on Main extravaganza, when firefighters use fire hoses to squirt grateful children … and adults.)
Such programs also allow local schools, groups, clubs and service organizations to display what they offer and raise funds for their organizations.
But more than anything, such events promote a sense of community in the towns of the Imperial Valley, and in the Valley in general, that many argue often is sorely missing.
El Centro has been having such events in its downtown for years. Brawley also has hosted many community-flavored events in its downtown plaza over the years. Imperial has had its fair share of downtown programs and most recently has been hosting what it calls its Market Days.
Most such events draw big crowds of people, who peruse through displays, eat rich food and chat with folks they just met and friends they hadn’t seen in years. It’s an excuse to get out and mix and mingle, something many Valley residents long to do.
Holtville will be the latest Valley municipality to get into the downtown festival thing with its Farmers Market and Street Fair from 4-8 p.m. tonight in Holt Park. The program will include food from a number of local vendors, fresh produce and booths manned by community organizations. Live music will emanate from the park’s gazebo.
We are particularly excited about Holtville’s entrance into the street festival fun because Holtville, with its small-town feel and lovely downtown square, around which most of the city’s events center, seems perfect for such an event.
So this afternoon/evening you have one more reason to get off the couch, out of the house and into wondrous Valley spring weather to enjoy good food, good company and good music, all in beautiful downtown Holtville.
THE ISSUE:
Street festivals
WE SAY:
Go to Holtville tonight.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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