The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Chris Maier, Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Marissa Monson and Lindsey Markel. They, along with Webmaster Mason Kessinger, are the founders of the magazine. They decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
With the temperatures soaring into the 90s and summer in full swing, the Champaign-Urbana community starts itching to get outside and take in the season. One of the newer traditions in town is the Champaign Park District-sponsored downtown street fests that occur three times per year.
This Saturday is the first of these, featuring two artists, Freeze Dried — a band that claims rock, polka and cajun as its influences, and, Od Tapo Imi — a fusion band mixing island sounds, steel drums and non-traditional percussion.
The "festival" takes place on the corner of Walnut and University avenues, whereas the others are on Main and Chestnut and Neil and Main streets, July 12 and Aug. 9, respectively. Alcoholic beverages are allowed on the street within the parameters of the designated area, although it's been suspected that Champaign's finest turn a blind eye to anyone walking out of the zone as well.
While these events are mainly received well by citizens, there have been some vocal outcries regarding the programming choices and locations of the stages. Until this year, no original music had been booked to perform on any of these festivals, and arguments have been made that stage locations have seemed to favor particular bars, giving them an advantage over other drinking establishments in town, at least in terms of alcohol sales that evening.
So, what do you think? Are the street festivals a great thing for Downtown Champaign and all of the C-U area? Or do they still need some modification in order to properly engage the entire community and all of the businesses in the neighborhood?
Comments (7)
Friday, June 13, 2008 5:33 PM
I just wanted to add a few points. As the City's point person on the events I thought I would give some additional insights. When the event started three years ago we held only one streetfest at Neil and Main. Following its huge success we decided to hold more. We also made the decision to move them around. The locations were set up to maximize the number of not only bars and restaurants but also retail establishments within the perimeter. We did have to make choices but the locations we have now was, in our minds, the best options. I would also be re missed if I didn't mention that the City sponsors these event as well. As for the music choice, we leave that the Park District. I'm curious to see what others think and will check back soon.
Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:26 AM
Retail? With shutting down all of the streets and parking meters on a Saturday, I would think that is horrible for business. I think the city has never really cared about retail downtown. Parking decks so far away, 75cent meters, construction jobs during the holiday season, one would think that all they want is bar revenue.
Sunday, June 15, 2008 7:50 PM
I'm sorry that you feel that way but we do care a great deal about growing and diversifying retail downtown. We can not control what businesses open downtown but we have given over $3 million in incentives to business and property owners to ensure their buildings are in good repair. As for parking, meters are there to ensure turnover of cars so that office workers don't park all day in front of "Retail stores". The Parking deck grows parking supply vertically while allowing other land for development which helps add new businesses. And street festivals encourage new shoppers and community members to come downtown who may not have ventured down here in the first place. I can't really help that most retailers close their doors at 5PM when the rest of the town arrives. The one's that are making the effort should be applauded. I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment.
Sunday, June 15, 2008 10:51 PM
Some retail stores downtown have stayed open later to afford people to shop there for a short period and not have to pay for overpriced parking. It is a shame that come july 1st the meters will go to 9pm. The meters were baged on Friday afternoon with no explanation to the general public. Hence Saturday was a wash. The one business owner that I talked to today that was open till 7 did absolutly no business at all Saturday. I know, thats when the bands started. The problem is that the store was open till 11pm two years ago for the street fest and all they got was people looking for air conditioning. I respect your reply but I know for a fact that the retail owners downtown are very rarley asked there opinion on these things, the real concern is no glass containers.
Sunday, June 15, 2008 10:58 PM
Enforcing the 2 hour limit would have taken care of people parking in meter spots all day.
Monday, June 16, 2008 3:34 PM
I showed up about 10 PM just as the second band was getting on stage. The event was better attended than I expected and the atmosphere was good, but I hoped to hear some original music instead of covers all night (I didn't stay that long). Local or not, original music beats cover bands.
Monday, June 16, 2008 11:33 PM
I didn't get to see too much of it, but I agree - original music would be nice.