This post documents my experience on June 30, 2013.
I decided to ignore the threatening rain clouds…
…and head out to Fairview Park’s Bohlken Park…
…where they were celebrating Summerfest.
It had just stopped raining minutes before, allowing me to get a really good parking spot and go through the festival with minimal foot traffic (at least until the sun peaked through again and people started coming back).
I thought the festival was interesting in design…
…as it started near the playground…
…broke to allow entry to the stage and beer garden…
…started back up beyond the curve…
…paused again for an info booth…
…(which also sold ice and gave away seeds)…
…and then started up yet again…
…before leading you to a carnival area…
…where there were plenty of rides and games.
Food offerings were typical with gyros and pierogies…
…some nice local dishes from the Fairview Tavern…
…and even nostalgic desserts…
…whereas vendors offered a wide range, including cheap caps…
…fleeces for dogs (Fargo Fleece)…
…rubber band guns (with target practicing)…
…and creative jewelry (One of a Kind Creations).
And the variety didn’t end there!
The festival also offered local history…
…local therapeutic riding (Valley Riding, Inc.)…
…local shopping info (Westgate)…
…local medical solutions (Grady Podiatry/Chiropractic Health and Rehabilitation)…
…local student aid (Fairview Park Schools)…
…tats for kids (New York Life)…
…and the participation of various religious organizations, who sold prayer candles (St. Mary Magdalene)…
…hosted kids’ games (Fairview Grace United)…
…and offered kids’ art activities (Messiah Lutheran).
The festival even had a helicopter!