Festifall to Bring Fun, Tradition To Franklin St.

West Franklin Street will exhibit a variety of local arts, crafts and entertainment for everyone in the community. The festivities start at 1 p.m. and last until 6 p.m.

Parrish Anderson, public events coordinator for Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, described the event as a showcase of local talents and creativity.

"So many different people, of different cultures, faces and lives come together to experience their community," Anderson said. "It's a very special thing."

Wes Tilghman, arts and special events coordinator, planned Sunday's entertainment. He said three entertainment venues will provide the audience with local inspiration and popular music, with kids' zone performances for children's amusement. The "In the Park" stage will demonstrate eclectic entertainment, including martial arts and belly dancing.

"Festifall is a community celebration," Tilghman said. "It creates a unity and solidarity within the community, and we are proud to serve the community in this way."

Local artists and craftsmen will feature a mixture of pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, candles, toys, woodworks, fabrics and clothing.

In the kids' zone, children can enjoy face-painters from Disney World, temporary tattoos and a climbing wall located near the McDonald's at 409 W. Franklin St.

Deviating from typical street fair food, Festifall will bring something unusual to West Franklin Street. Food accounts for a major part of the day, bringing a plethora of international food that Anderson said many "don't normally have at the dinner table."

Colombian, Thai, Caribbean, Chinese, and for the first time, vegan and vegetarian food will be available from vendors, giving the crowd an opportunity to try a range of different foods.

To accommodate the influx of traffic created by the estimated 25,000 participants, Mallette, Kenan and West Franklin streets will be closed from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. on the day of the event. Festifall parking will be available along East and West Rosemary streets, parallel to the festival.

Barry Slobin, owner of Paint the Earth Ceramic Studio, located at 316 W. Franklin St., said that although problems such as parking occur throughout the day, he welcomes the event.

"We like it, but it's a mixed blessing," Slobin said. "It brings in a lot of business downtown and introduces the community to what we do, but our staff is usually tied up answering questions, not focusing on our customers."

Anderson said they use "smart sponsorship" to keep costs low. "This event is not about money, but to keep focus on arts, crafts and the community."

If there is inclement weather Sunday, Festifall 2002 will take place on its rain date, Oct. 13.

Anderson said that he doesn't want to jinx the event but that he thinks it's going to be a beautiful day, perfect for the celebration.

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.