Family fair to highlight Wood Street improvement

Music, food, crafts and vendors will be at Industrial Park Aug. 20

By Patrick Luce
Posted 8/12/17

The Wood Street neighborhood, once the hub of economic activity in Bristol, is undergoing a continual facelift, and local businesses are inviting the public to come check out the progress.

Mosaico …

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Family fair to highlight Wood Street improvement

Music, food, crafts and vendors will be at Industrial Park Aug. 20

Posted

The Wood Street neighborhood, once the hub of economic activity in Bristol, is undergoing a continual facelift, and local businesses are inviting the public to come check out the progress.

Mosaico CDC, which runs the Bristol Industrial Park, and the Common Pub are joining together to sponsor the second Wood Street Fair, “a day for family and fun.” The event — scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 20, noon-5 p.m., in the Industrial Park’s front parking lot on Wood Street, across from Bradford Street — will feature flea market tables, food, live music and crafts and games for the kids. The organizers are inviting the public to head to the celebration to check out the improvements — aesthetic and otherwise — that have been made to the neighborhood.

“Last year, we had put up a new fence and redone the parking lot (in the Industrial Park), and we thought we should have a Pride Day,” said Diana Campbell, executive director of Mosiaco. “We want people to see the improvements. It increases morale; people feel safe. It’s a good thing for everyone to see. We’re working on bringing Wood Street back to the economic engine it was.”

Those efforts got a boost earlier this summer from a state “Main Street Grant” from the Rhode Island Commerce Department. town plans to use to repaint the historic light poles on the street, install bike racks and new trash and recycling cans, and adhere decorative medallions to many of the light posts.

“I’m encouraged by the thoughtful approach the administration is taking to the streetscape. The business owners here deserve this type of investment,” said Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor during a visit to Wood Street in June. “The goal is to give these stretches a facelift. We need to pay attention to these small businesses that make streets like these thrive. It’s clear that it’s working.”

All proceeds from the Wood Street Fair event will be invested back into the neighborhood, Ms. Campbell said. Mosaico as committed to adding $10,000 to the Main Street Grant. The town of Bristol has committed to kicking in another $10,000.

The street fair will include live music throughout the day from local bands CBGBs, Dagwood and Mease. Courtney Poissant, owner of Common Pub and Grille on Wood Street, will provide the catering.

The organizers are still looking for sponsors and flea market vendors. Any business or organization, or just someone cleaning out their closet, can set up a table in the flea market for $30 to sell their stuff or just share information about their organization. The event is free to the public, though donations are welcomed.

For more information, contact Ms. Campbell at Mosaico at 401-253-2135 or manager@bristolindustrialpark.com.

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