Get the Low Down on Open Streets at Penn Fest

Talk about stopping traffic. 

On Sunday, Sept. 15, noon–5 p.m., the cars, trucks and vans on Penn Avenue in Richfield will disappear when Open Streets at Penn Fest will close this normally busy stretch of roadway from 62nd to 76th on Penn Avenue to vehicles. 

Instead of cars, Penn will be full of people walking, biking, skateboarding, dancing, and doing other sports, games, crafts, arts and more. 

There is no admission charge for the event. More information is available at www.penncentralofrichfield.com.  

Open Streets at Penn will also feature a flea market, live bands performing on the street, spontaneous sports on the pavement, square dancing and belly dancing, hands-on arts and craft activities and family-friendly children's activities. This event takes place in the neighborhood known as Penn Central of Richfield.

Highlights of the event include:

• BMX stunt bike demo by the Fantasy Factory
• A classic car show with cruisers and street machines
• Live music ranging from big band hits of the 1940s, rock-n-roll of the '60s, as well as classic and alternative rock 
• Celebrity appearance by former Minnesota Viking Jake Reed
• Loaner bikes for event guest to ride the avenue
• Flea market with over 100 vendors selling jewelry, collectibles, and antiques
• 5K run to benefit Richfield Public Schools
• Square dancing in the street
• Free rootbeer floats for event guests
• Farmers market vendors selling fresh, homegrown produce

Open Streets at Penn Fest is a very eclectic day of miscellaneous activities, all of which are meant to get people out of their homes for the purposes of being active and building a greater sense of community among people of all generations.

The Penn Central of Richfield neighborhood association and the City of Richfield Recreation Department organized the event. Major sponsors include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Richfield Visions, Inc.