Partygoers crowded the main drag in downtown Hayward; singing, dancing and connecting with both community leaders and local vendors that lined either side of bustling B Street.

“It’s wonderful,” said CSU East Bay President Leroy Morishita, attending for the first time. “It’s good to see so many people.”

From big to small, people of all ages enjoyed a jam-packed and warm night out at the Hayward Street Party, a festival hosted by the Chamber of Commerce occurring every third Thursday of the month throughout summer.

“We get an opportunity to reach out in each of these individual booths,” said Sen. Ellen Corbett. “And you’ll see you’ve got the [Let’s Do Lunch Hayward] program, you’ve got the school district, you’ve got lots of local businesses as well, and it gives people a chance to sort of become familiar with what we do, and we can get familiar with all our constituents.”

Corbett, who is also a CSUEB alumnus, said she attends the monthly fair to provide information, listen to concerns and garner support from nearby voters. She points to an array of pamphlets displayed at her table, showing information she feels is important for the community. The range of fliers provide quick information on things like getting involved in the legislative process to or how to be more energy efficient.

“You can’t just reach all these people sitting in your office,” said Corbett. “So, when you come to something like this, you get a chance to talk to a vast group of people and get to know them better. It helps me do my job.”

The highlighted theme, Star-Spangled Summer, for the second gathering paid tribute to Independence Day, going hand-in-hand with common July festivities. The smell of funnel cakes, freshly made tacos, and barbeque lingered through the streets, while the sounds of vintage cars rumbled in time with the beats from the DJ spinning local tracks nearby.

“If Hayward is the heart of the Bay, then downtown is the heart of Hayward, and it’s our goal to bring families, in particular, to downtown, where they can be entertained and hear good music, and have good food, and recognize there are stores down here,” Kim Huggett, president of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce said.

This three-hour block-party gives community members a chance to interact with prominent Hayward based organizations. The Hayward police and fire department attended to spread safety awareness, handing out booklets and flyers on earthquake preparedness and how to prevent a home invasion.

The fair also benefits local stores, 80 vendors from around the downtown area came to show off their goods and attract a plethora of new customers.

“A lot more people get to see who we are,” said Alfredo Rodriguez, co-owner of Vintage Alley and Salon, who mentions his wife, Alicia, is the main owner. “A lot more people come in; it’s good for Hayward period.”

Rodriguez said Hayward street parties play a key role in attracting people to the downtown area.  He also expressed concerns that the fair was cut from the original four festivals to only three.

“It was always here, but they have to keep it going, it’s key,” said Rodriguez. “They used to have four, now they’re down to three. I hope it doesn’t go any lower than that.”

Spanning 14 years, the parties have a long tradition connecting the local community and businesses. Although, 2012 was the first year they eliminated the September party due to redevelopment funding cuts, Huggett said. Redevelopment funds were cut in late June 2011 to compensate for deficits in the budget.

For next month’s street party on Aug. 15, vendor spots are all sold out and at least 100 classic cars are expected to fill the side streets for the last celebration of the year.