Marblehead Festival of Arts Street Festival

“On Wednesday, July 4, Washington Street will be open only to foot traffic from Abbot Hall to the Old Town House for our annual Street Festival. It is a happy affair, a family block party, where crowds will enjoy comedy, magic, roving artists, juggling, music, dance, face painting and balloon twisting,” said Greg Triplett, chairperson.

Returning performers include Stephen Baird, the consummate street performer, who is back by popular demand. He enchants young and old alike with wonderful stories, poems, jokes and plenty of songs. The Merj, a popular North Shore band, serves up classic and folk rock. Their wide repertoire brings back lots of memories and has everyone singing along and dancing.

Balloon artists at the Street Festival will treat old and young to their talents. Jake, the Balloon Kid, is a local celebrity who delights in making balloon animals; and Royal Events Balloons of Peabody will mesmerize onlookers with their new dimension to the art of balloon sculpture.

Gayle Rosen, of Flying Colors Face and Body Art, creates her effects using a combination of airbrushing and traditional paint brush techniques. Dan Forlano, a true comic actor, performs in the universal style of the great clowns with contemporary comic and dramatic influences, both verbally and nonverbally.

New to the Festival this year are Jenny the Juggler, who entertains in clown attire; and Peter Jackson, a magician who provides fun for all and features Top Hat, the Bunny. Look up in the sky to see Gina DeFrietas, a fantastic stilt walker who makes her own amazing costumes. There will be craft activities to engage everyone, including making holiday ribbon streamers.

Refreshments will be part of the event. Look for Terry’s Party Ice Cream truck, where Carlos will make you smile as he shares tasty treats. Also, visit Devereux House to sample their award-winning chowder.