Street Fairs are a grand, old fashion fun way to gather residents and visitors alike to celebrate a city’s traditional event. Street Fairs are typically part of a larger event that takes place (free to the public) in addition to paid events like concerts, parades, and garden parties, etc.

One of the largest festivals in North Carolina happens to be the Azalea Festival, which takes place in Coastal Wilmington. The Azalea Festival honors the “Azalea Flower” and it’s been a tradition since 1948 in the Wilmington area. The festival is scheduled during peak bloom time for the Azaleas, beautifying the scene for all the social events to follow.   You can read more about the Azalea Festival and its rich history and events here.

And if you’re interested in viewing more photos of the beautiful Azaleas in full bloom, look here at some gorgeous photos I posted at Greenfield Lake last year during peak bloom time.

As the events unfold in various places around the city from the beach to the country clubs, the street fair remains in full swing, featuring Artists (local and from other states), food vendors, dancers, bands, retailers and e-tailers, eager to introduce their product and themselves to the public. Lots of everything, silver jewelry, soaps, paintings, clothing, hats, and wind chimes. There is something for everyone’s taste. Wait till you see what I purchased!

 

The combination of sugary treats make the Street Fair totally worth it! You must try a deep fried milky way or a red velvet oreo’s when you get a chance, and if the likes of fried candy  don’t excite you, the fair favorites like cotton candy, funnel cakes and candy apples are always a win.

The local restaurants and business along the Street Fair path are busy, but well prepared for the anticipated large crowds. Below is local favorite, Front Street Brewery.

Street vendors line their tents up and down the streets hoping to grab passerby’s attention. The folks seem to come prepared with patience and don’t seem to mind the long lines. Thankfully, the city blocks off the roads from car traffic, making the Street Fair pedestrian friendly.

 

Here is a photo of the wind chime I purchased from a cute couple named Barb and Ron from Columbia, SC., who make chimes out of their garage from wine bottles. I love this chime, what do you think, stunning huh? 

 

From the Street Fair location along the Cape Fear River many get to see the historic Battleship. Oh, so here is a photo of the impressive USS North Carolina Battleship as it sits parked in its home, directly across from downtown in full view of Water Street.

The USS North Carolina Battleship welcomes visitors daily to come see what lies within her quiet, majestic, but stately steel walls, filled with history. The Ship is a beautiful part of the downtown Wilmington landscape. If you have time or you’re interested, check out the details above or better yet, come see it for yourself.

Okay, finally I get to the 7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs… Are you still with me?

                                    7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs

1. You can lollygag around in the streets with no traffic worry.
2. Carnival rides and parades are always happening.
3. The amazing food trucks; Guilt free zone for junk food.
4. Meeting new artists and discovering new products they’re selling at their booth.
5. Street talent, individual and group performances.
6. Be outside in the fresh air and sunshine:).
7. Spending time with friends and people you know, but haven’t seen in a while.

Street fairs are a fun add-on to other events, or can simply be the main event. Either way, it’s a great way to spend some free time when you get the chance..

Making my way around the convoy of venues, I was pleasantly surprised when I bumped into a friend helping out another friend at a tent event. A smiling face emerges… Jesse Munto (You might occasionally read some of her thoughts on my blog comment section).

That’s my list of 7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs, hopefully one of them resonates with you. What do you love about Street Fairs? What fun did I forget to mention that you experienced at a Street Fair?

Never give up your sense of wonder, there’s too many places to wander. When is the last time you set out to wander? 

Not all who wander are lost

If you like this post sign up and join me for more.

Happy trails
Donna George
Join me on social media at Facebook  LinkedIn
You can also find me at _donnageorge on Instagram.