The two most popular BWNA-sponsored events both take place in the summer, feature family-friendly activities for all ages, and utilize Wilshire Park as their venue. The first of these is Movie in the Park, Saturday, July 28th, followed a little over a week later by National Night Out Picnic on Tuesday, August 7th. Not to be outdone, the two neighborhood business associations sponsor outdoor summer parties as well. Beaumont Business Association showcases Fremont Street businesses in a big way with the ever-evolving Fremont Fest, Saturday, August 4th. And NE 42nd Avenue Business Association wraps up August with its 3rd annual 42nd Avenue Street Fair, Sunday, August 26th—nestled in the vicinity of 42nd Avenue & Alberta Court, which just happens to be the exact location of a shared boundary for three neighborhoods—Concordia, Cully, and Beaumont-Wilshire.
Last year’s Movie in the Park was such a smashing (as in “Shrek”!) success that the goal this summer is not only to replicate the experience, but expand attendance as well. Accordingly, our neighboring Alameda Neighborhood Association is splitting the cost of sponsorship with BWNA and encouraging its residents to join in on the fun.
With the stage located on the baseball field’s outfield grass, the evening kicks off in style at 6:00 pm with rock ‘n roll favorites performed by the multi-talented River City Trio, followed by a series of outstanding young soloists. Additionally, special activities are planned to keep the little ones happily engaged while waiting for the start of the movie, which this year is the award-winning “Toy Story 3”. Two food vendors will be on hand, and the popcorn is free!
The National Night Out Picnic in Wilshire Park is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday of August, with the express purpose of uniting neighbors, police, and fire fighters in the fight against crime. But it also provides the opportunity for an all-neighborhood celebration—namely, one huge potluck picnic feast! Held just west of the pavilion in Wilshire Park (where the wall mural and bathrooms are located), the evening begins at 6:30 pm with barbecued hamburgers, hotdogs, and veggie burgers with all the trimmings as well as assorted beverages—all courtesy of BWNA. But the highlight of the party are the picnic dishes provided by neighbors to share with neighbors—from munchies to entrees to desserts. Local businesses also contribute food and beverages, along with door prizes for the free raffle that concludes the picnic. Along the way there is acoustic entertainment from a local band, a trapeze performance, free professional massages and visits from the police canine unit, along with fire fighters who drive their fire engine right up to the picnic area. And don’t be surprised if you end up conversing with a politician or two before the evening’s close at around 8:15 pm.
For details about Fremont Fest and the 42nd Avenue Street Fair, as well as a Beaumont Reunion and Field Day, see individual articles elsewhere in this Newsletter.