Street party makes Downtown come alive in Hayward
July 22, 2015
Remodeled classic cars lined the busy streets, as people crowded into Buffalo Bill’s Brewery to hang out, eat and drink while live bands such as Third Sol performed. Nearly 5,000 people walked through Downtown Hayward last Thursday during the Third Thursday Street Party.
Organized by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Hayward Business Improvement Area, this monthly event is now in its 15th season. “The goal of the Thursday Street Party is to attract Hayward residents downtown,” said Kim Huggett President of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.
In the Bay Area, no city has more family reunions than Hayward.
— Kim Huggett
The Thursday Street Party aims to emphasize the metro area and downtown merchants, according to Huggett. He said that these summer events are unique because they draw families. “In the Bay Area, no city has more family reunions than Hayward” says Huggett.
The street parties span over five city blocks in downtown and roughly 5,000-7,000 people attend regularly, Huggett stated.
BART, AC Transit and the Cal State East Bay shuttle are available for individuals using public transportation. For those who choose to drive, there were 14 downtown lots which offer free parking. The event flyer highlights convenient parking locations.
The event had attractions for all ages that included pony rides, a beer garden and CSUEB had a basketball stand where kids were allowed to shoot hoops. Specifically for children, there was a face painting stand, a clown and balloon animals.
Besides attractions, there were local vendors where attendees could purchase a variety of novelty items like jewelry and other trinkets.
Huggett explained that they “want to increase the amount of people that visit downtown, so it can be viewed as a family destination where people can shop, dine, or watch movies and concerts.”
Huggett continued to add that there is a plan to build more apartments and areas of living downtown. The idea is that the more people living downtown, the more vibrant it will be, which will create an economically successful downtown.
The final Third Thursday Street Party of the year will be Aug. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event takes place on B Street and goes from Foothill Boulevard to the City Hall Plaza. The upcoming Thursday Street Party will include a BMX show and feature five bands including the Hayward High School marching band.
PHOTOS BY TAM DUONG JR.
