GREENFIELD — More than a dozen downtown businesses have banded together to host a block party promoting Greenfield’s historic district and the businesses that call it home.
A swath of downtown Greenfield has been designated a historic district by Indiana Historic Landmark since the mid-1980s, and business owners in that area hope to highlight both the preservation efforts going on in the area and the diverse retail offerings with the inaugural event.
The North Street Block Party is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25, on North Street from State Road 9 to Pennsylvania Street, said April Wright-Roberts, organizer of the event. It’s free to attend and open to the public.
Historic preservation is a popular topic in downtown Greenfield, with the city being one of three recipients of a $500,000 downtown revitalization grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the renewed efforts of Greenfield Historic Landmarks spurred by yearly grant funding.
Wright-Roberts selected the area for Salon De’ Elegance, which opened in January at 108 N. State St., Suite A., because she loves the character of the neighborhood and the buildings, she said.
Wright-Roberts began talking to fellow downtown business owners a few months ago to garner support for the event, which will feature food, raffles, giveaways and live music and performances.
Though their space is on the west side of town, dogs and their handlers from Bentley’s Buddies and Friends will attend the block party, said director Nickie Scott.
They’ll have a booth with books at the ready for local youngsters to read to the canine listeners, she said.
“We’re not quite on North Street, but we visit the Nutty Mutt often,” she said. “We’re at home right here. We’re really looking forward to a chance to share our dogs with the community.”
It’s great seeing others sponsor events to bring people downtown, said Shelley Swift, director of Greenfield Main Street, an organization promoting business and events in the downtown area. She hopes the block party gives more people an opportunity to see the North Street Living Alley, a gathering space stretching from Main Street to North Street that was completed in late 2016.
“We love when people use the downtown area for fun events, for people to come out and enjoy the space we have,” she said. “The living alley is a great option for people to use for events and functions.”
The North Street Living Alley is the first leg of the Riley Literary Trail, which city officials have said they hope will one day connect bicyclists and pedestrians using the Pennsy Trail to downtown businesses. All of the downtown revitalization efforts are meant to preserve the area’s historic architecture and celebrate its heritage while promoting development downtown, officials said.
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What: North Street Block Party
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25
Where: North Street from State Street to Pennsylvania Street
Featuring: Raffles, music, food and drinks, sales, samples, giveaways and more from downtown Greenfield businesses.
Participating businesses include: Salon De’ Elegance, Eddie Lawrence Men’s Store, Wooden Bear Brewing Co., Andree’s Florist, the Nutty Mutt, Jennifer Thornburg Attorney at Law, All About the Q and more.
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