Third Thursday irons out a few more wrinkles
| Wednesday, Jun 15 2011 05:40 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Jun 15 2011 05:40 PM
Third Thursdays Faire in the Park
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Central Park at Mill Creek, 21st and R streets
Information: 325-5892
The third time may be the charm for this Third Thursday. After working out some of the issues from the previous two events based out of Central Park at Mill Creek, Downtown Business Association president Cathy Butler said that June's festivities are on track for success.
"This should be our best. We've made changes. And there will be a little bit of entertainment for everyone."
That entertainment will include performances by youth dance groups; a children's play area with a rock-climbing wall; jazz music; and a three-legged race.
Tied to this month's theme of "Go Green at the Summer Home and Garden Fair," the race will pit local media against Realtors. When the fair was held on Chester Avenue, the contest was a wheelbarrow race, but it has been adapted to a three-legged feat.
Butler didn't have a final list but said she expected teams from Channel 29 and Channel 23, both of which placed in the top three last year along with the Moneywise Guys from KERN 1180.
With last year's defeat fresh in their minds, Butler said the Realtors are ready to win.
"The Realtors are excited and they want to challenge the media. Several have contacted me, so they have good representatives this time."
(For the delinquent media teams that had not contacted Butler as of Wednesday morning, they can call and register up until this morning to get in on the action.)
Also keeping Third Thursday lively is the country event formerly known as Boot Scoot 'n BBQ, which has moved from the Emporium Western parking lot to Bakersfield Community House on R Street. Now called the Boot Scootin' Boogie, the gathering will still feature the Trouts band and barbecue from Martin's Meats and Deli Market. In addition, there will be a mechanical bull with a pillow bounce underneath it and, new to the event, is a beer and wine garden, run by Advance Beverage Co. Proceeds from alcohol sales will benefit Community House's senior activities.
Butler said relocating to the Community House gets people closer to the heart of Third Thursday -- Central Park -- but just far enough that they can host the beer garden and Pasta and Wine on the Patio, courtesy of Pasta Fazool, for the adults.
Along with relocating the country fun, another change is the new route for the popular horse-drawn wagon rides. The rides will run from 19th and R streets to 21st down Q, with a stop at Log Cabin Florist. Hawaiian dancers will greet those arriving and departing, and the florist will offer an orchid special for those looking for flowers.
The new route came about to keep people closer to core events and to accommodate more people, Butler said.
"It was too far off the beaten path," she said of the earlier route that extended to the Emporium Western parking lot. "People weren't hopping off. No one wanted to get off the ride," making for many round-trips and long waits in line.
After disembarking from the wagon Thursday in the thick of activities, hungry families will have plenty to choose from at the various food vendors at the park.
"They're serving everything from tamales to tri-tip," Butler said. "And if you don't want to go to the food booths, many restaurants are open that night," including Mill Creek Bar and Grill, Goose Loonies Tavern, Nines in the Marriott Hotel and Mexicali.
You may also be able to pick up snacks for home at the farmers market, which moves from the Community House area to the park near the children's activities.
If you're interested in a feast for the eyes, the Bakersfield Museum of Art will be hosting an opening reception for its Summer Exhibitions. With five exhibits opening, including The Californian-sponsored Eye Gallery, there will be much to see. (Read more about the exhibits on Pages 24 and 25.)
Art afficionados also may take in the sights at the Mill Creek Art Walk, Juliana's Studio & Art Gallery and Adobe Krow Archives, which Butler said will have a special unveiling.
With so much going on, you may find yourself parking a distance away.
Butler mentioned that the Assistance League of Bakersfield's Bargain Box parking lot (on Q Street) will be open and that people so inclined can park along 17th Street and stroll down to Mill Creek.
For those with small children or tired feet, Distinctive Limousine will offer its limo carts and rickshaws to shuttle people around the downtown area.
To keep track of everything, the Downtown Business Association will have maps up directing people to participating businesses and an informational booth near the bandstand to answer any questions. Also at the booth will be official Third Thursday T-shirts for sale ($12 or two for $20).
