Community Groups Invited to Particiapte in 2012 'Open Streets at Penn Fest'

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Editor's Note: The following is a Penn Central of Richfield press release.

Community groups are being invited to participate in one of the biggest neighborhood events of the year, Open Streets at .

on a larger, grander scale. From noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, Penn Avenue from 63rd Street to 76th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic to make way for a variety of activities including music, dance, sports, crafts, kids games, and much more.

Groups are encouraged to register now to reserve a section of street for their activity. It is preferred that groups make activities open to participation by visitors of the event. Open Streets at Penn Fest is a great opportunity for groups to promote themselves to the community and possibly find new members.

The event is open to almost any type of activity, including music, juggling acts, theatre groups, sports, dance groups, or just about anything that is fun and active. There is no charge for community groups to participate. Crafters or commercial interests wishing to sell or promote themselves will be charged a $25.00 fee for space. Registration forms may be found at penncentralofrichfield.com.

Open Streets at Penn Fest is the 2012 version of the community Penn Fest celebration, which is observing its fifth anniversary this year. Penn Fest is a grassroots neighborhood event organized by local Penn and 66th area businesses and local residents.

Open Streets events are part of a trend to temporarily close streets to cars and open them to pedestrians, bikers. skateboarders and an eclectic mix of activities. According to Gordon Hanson, a Penn Central of Richfield volunteer, Richfield applied for a grant last February from Blue Cross Blue Shield to host an Open Streets event in conjunction with Penn Fest in 2012. Richfield's grant application was approved, one of just a few across the state. With the grant, Penn Fest will become a larger, more elaborate event this year.

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