'ArtBlock' Returning to First Wednesday Street Parties

From the Pleasanton Downtown Association:

Pleasanton’s legendary 1^st Wednesday Street Parties in May, June, July, August, and September are well-known among Pleasantonians and residents of neighboring cities alike.  Once a month, Main Street is filled with vendor booths where pedestrians can learn more about local businesses and services while shopping, enjoying a delicious meal and rocking out to live music. 

The Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) announced today that several additions to last year’s festivities will return for 2013, including ArtBlock and Market on Main, both of which were popular with 1^st Wednesday attendees.

Like last year, ArtBlock will feature local artists, sculptors and jewelry crafters, all who specialize in exquisite, hand-made arts and crafts.  During each event, a pre-selected artist will be in attendance to offer live demonstrations and discuss their work.  ArtBlock will occur through the duration of each event on Angela Street at the same location as the Pleasanton Saturday Farmer’s Market.  The ArtBlock festivities will include live music and a large area reserved for both kids and adults to create their own chalk art.  Angela between Main and the Railroad corridor will be closed to traffic from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m

The PDA has collaborated with the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association to create Market on Main - the 1^st Wednesday iteration of Pleasanton’s Saturday morning farmers’ market.  Located near the intersection of Main and St. John, Market on Main will feature approximately a dozen local growers selling fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

New in 2013 is the addition of “Green Scene” in collaboration with the City of Pleasanton and Hacienda Business Park.  In a special section of the September 1^st Wednesday Street Party, which has been dubbed “Celebrate Green,” Downtown Pleasanton will welcome vendors specifically involved in energy efficient technology, waste reduction, water conservation, and recycling.  Organizations will be on hand to describe some of the money-saving rebates available to local residents who choose energy efficient upgrades to their homes.   

Additionally, Downtown Pleasanton is excited to announce the performance of Caravanserai – The Santana Tribute on the beer and wine garden stage this month.  Northern California’s premier Carlos Santana tribute band will be cranking out the legend’s greatest hits in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.    

PDA Executive Director Laura Olson said, “Every year the PDA looks for new ways to make the our events fresh and engaging for the community, so I’m very excited about the return of ArtBlock and Market on Main, and the addition of Green Scene to our 1^st Wednesday Street Parties.  I think the 1^st Wednesday crowd will love these exciting aspects of an already popular event!  Plus, we’re thrilled to welcome Caravanserai to our beer and wine garden this month.”       

Pleasanton’s 1st Wednesday street parties are sponsored by the Hacienda Business Park and draw over 20,000 citizens from the Tri-Valley, East Bay and Central Valley. ArtBlock, Market on Main, and Green Scene complement an already exciting array of vendor booths, beer and wine garden, food and live music.

Link to ArtBlock on Facebook.