First Avenue South Block Party

Block party was started by the merchants back in 2005 on 1st Ave South. It ran successfully for 4 years and it has been 3 years since the last party. Economics (recession) and nearby new shopping destination changed people’s habits and we lost about half the businesses in the historic area.

In 2012, renewal of the 1st Ave Block Party was successfully initiated by great sponsors, with great music , food, kids zone and beer & wine garden. Fiscal sponsor, Project U(th), has an increased presence and excellent reputation in the community and is very happy to provide fiscal services to 1st Ave Block Party in order to make the event and future endeavors, successful. First Ave Block Party aims to build community and create economic development on First Ave South.

First Ave Block Party is a local historic district celebration of art, music, food and vibrant business. The event is organized by the merchants with the goal of attracting neighbors who are unaware of the historic district’s charm and history of serving Kent residents.

We want to accomplish three things with this Block Party:

• Discovering 1st Ave American Old Town Historic District
  Too many people say wow what a great place, never knew this was here! We will change that by inviting our neighbors from near and far by creating events year round this will in turn help the historic district to become a destination.
• Re-vitalization of the forgotten Historic District
  Through this event and many other events in the planning stages, people will flock to the area after they discover what we have to offer. People through social media will rave what they have found. The increased human traffic will help businesses survive and increase profit. Too many have left the area because of lack of foot traffic.
• Multicultural
  Our city is very diverse with many ethnic groups living in our community. So too are our businesses in the area. We have Hispanic, African American, Women, Gay, Greek, American, German business owners on First Avenue. Block Party will have several local ethic groups performing so that it is inclusive for everyone.