29th Annual Olde Towne Gaithersburg Street Festival September 19, 2010

Several blocks around the intersection of Summit and Diamond Avenues will be closed to traffic for a day of music, food, arts, crafts, amusements, and a whole lot more at the 29th Annual Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne street festival.

Seven stages of live entertainment showcase a wide range of musical styles. On Stage I, the City Hall Concert Pavilion, Cartoon Johnny at 12:45 p.m., followed by the Fabulous Mary Ann Redmond Band at 3 p.m. On Stage II near the Train Station, enjoy the sounds of the Swingin’ Swamis at Noon, followed by popular hits of the 80’s as performed by The Reagan Years at 3 pm.

Latin rhythms can be found on Stage III, located on Summit Avenue near Bank of America. The sounds of the Sin Fronteras Mariachi Band performing at Noon and Sol y Rumba taking the stage at 3 p.m. are sure to get you moving to the beat. Stage IV, located near the intersection of East Diamond and Park Avenues, is the site of this year’s community performances, featuring such crowd favorites as Strive Martial Arts, Concepts in Motivation, the Dawn Crafton Dance Center, Miss Chianti’s Dance School of Maryland, Kick’s Karate, the Duffy School, and Commotion Dancers.

Our educational Green Zone is full of environmental information and family fun. Explore the undersea world with the Virginia Mobile Aquarium or enjoy a touch tank from Under the Sea. Learn interesting facts about animals from the Wildlife Ambassador. Or discover the world of science with hands-on experiences at the Mad Science Activity Center. The Green Zone, located in the City Hall parking lot, is also home to Stage V, with presentations by Reptiles Alive!, including boa constrictors, iguanas, turtles and more, every hour on the hour throughout the day.

Can’t get enough of the animal world? Stop by Stage VI to watch the amazing dogs featured in “Jessie and James and Mutts Gone Nuts.” Show times are at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. There will be Frisbee dogs, too! Stage VI is located in the grassy field adjacent to City Hall.

Youngsters are in for a special treat with activities galore, including Paul Belanger’s balloon sculptures and a juggling school taking place throughout the day. Little ones will enjoy pony rides, a petting farm, and model railroad displays in the Gaithersburg Community Museum. Check out the 30 foot rope spider climb, an inflatable obstacle course, and moon bounces on Summit Avenue. Also keep your eye out for our strolling entertainers, including magicians, ribbon dancers, the Unicycle Lady, and other costumed characters. Please note that some amusements have a nominal fee.

What’s a festival without shopping and eating? The Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne Festival will feature two food courts, with such crowd favorites as funnel cakes, Kettle Corn, crab cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, BBQ, fresh lemonade, and much, much more. When you’re done eating, do a little shopping in the City World Market. Artisans and importers from around the globe will display their jewelry, textiles, and other one-of-a-kind hand crafted treasures. You can also enjoy the international sounds of Mystic Warriors, performing Andean pipe music throughout the day on Stage VII.

The City of Gaithersburg will recognize its newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony conducted at noon at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. Immediately following the swearing in, the Mayor and City Council will present awards for the Distinguished Citizen, Outstanding Organization and Friend of Gaithersburg.


Free shuttle service to and from satellite parking at Lakeforest Shopping Center. A bike valet parking service will be available behind the Victor Litz Music Center off of Summit Avenue. Limited free parking is also available at the public garage on the corner of South Summit and Olde Towne Avenues. Additional parking is available at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, less than a quarter mile from the festival area. Please note that no alcohol, skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or pets are allowed at the event.

For a complete festival schedule visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/celebrate or call 301-258-6350.