SummerFest
Thursday night market gets makeover from new coordinators — The D Magazine
[Posted: December 31, 1969, 5:00 pm]
Words by Scott Jason
SummerFest will transform downtown Merced into a bustling market with vendora selling fruit, vegetables, art and artisnal goods on Main Street.
The downtown market will be from 6 to 9 p.m. every Thursday. Summerfest began June 24 and will go to Sept. 2.
The city awarded the contract to The D magazine after it successfully organized several events, including a film festival, all-ages concerts, and part of Cap & Town.
“SummerFest is about showing Merced what Main Street has to offer — from kettle corn wafting through the air to the sounds of live music to the sight of bustling storefronts,” event organizer and The D magazine publisher Tom Price Jr. said. “I’m thankful for the chance to promote downtown through this already successful market.”
SummerFest this year will include a music stage featuring some of the Valley’s best bands as well as a community stage that will showcase different parts of Merced County. Local artists will display their pieces in Bob Hart Square. A food court will be set up on Main Street.
Some of the more than 25 vendors include:
• Marchini Produce
• Rancho Piccolo
• Toni’s Courtyard Cafe
•Yang Farms
• Retro Lux
• Tallulah Brigitta
• Arbor Gallery
Like last year, Main Street is closed to cars from K Street to M Street.
Price said he sees organizing this event as one more step in keeping downtown Merced the leading place for music, arts and entertainment.
The city asked community groups to submit proposals explaining their vision for the downtown street fair. The D magazine was selected May 28.
The city of Merced said it is pleased to partner with The D magazine on SummerFest 2010 because of its track record of successful events.
“Publisher Tom Price and the SummerFest 2010 Board of Directors have proven to be the movers and shakers of downtown,” said Maria Mendoza, the city’s Redevelopment Technician who oversaw last year’s event. “The D magazine’s foresight and talent coincide with the city’s vision for the future of SummerFest.”
The city put the Thursday night market on a one-year hiatus in 2008 to rebrand it with a renewed focus on local and handmade goods. The event was immediately popular when it debuted in 2009 and each event grew in attendance. With the event reestablished, the city was ready to turn it over to a proven event organizer so staff could continue to focus on their core services.
Price has formed a board of directors to help organize the event and help with the long-term vision. Members include Joey Essig, RC Essig, Toni Fiorenza, Robert Garcia, Kevin Hammon, Scott Jason, Janna Rodriguez and Staci Santa.
The D is seeking vendors and volunteers for SummerFest. Anyone interested should call (209) 777-6176 or visit www.summerfestmerced.com.
