June 1, 2006

WGBPA sets up 2006 Dancin' on the Avenue

Eleven years ago on the eve of Father's Day, the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association held its first Dancin' on the Avenue. The success of the event gets bigger every year along with the crowds.

You could hardly see the Joe Sharino Band through all the people that were dancing and listening. But you could still hear them playing as long as you were near the Peak Travel Stage. It wouldn’t be Dancin’ on the Avenue without the Joe Sharino band.

This year's event, scheduled for Saturday, June 17, should be no different. Last year, more than 35,000 people danced the night away on Lincoln Avenue between Willow and Minnesota. This year should be no different, except maybe bigger.

This year's activities will feature four live music stages, including Willow Glen favorite Joe Sharino. There will be a community stage with local talent along with delicious food from local restaurants and beer, wine and other beverages. For those with shopping in mind, some of the stores will stay open and while you are window shopping or actually buying, there will be strolling entertainers.

Again this year, there will be an expanded Kids Court, from 5 to 8 p.m., near the community stage. The area is designed for kids and will feature various activities. The organizer of the kids’ area is offering booths to businesses interested in selling and/or promoting this business—for a nominal fee—and to nonprofits for fund-raising, with fees waived. Last year, there were a number of games of chance set up as a fundraiser for Booksin Elementary School.

Each business or participant would set up or sponsor an activity for the children. The activity could be face painting, a game or another activity that children would enjoy. Anyone interested in sponsoring a booth or activity should contact alchemysecrets@mindspring.com, and in return will receive a PDF file with information and an application.

As usual, there will be lots of cars, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes to walk and dance in. While Lincoln Avenue will be closed to traffic between Minnesota and Willow, parking will be available on Lincoln north of Willow and south of Minnesota, and along the side streets.