[ad_1]
CINCINNATI — There are several street festivals in Cincinnati that predate Second Sunday on the Main, but few boast as much pride or community support.
Now in its 19th year, Second Sunday brings a variety of vendors, musical performers and artists to Main Street between 12th and Liberty Streets. As one might expect, the event takes place on the second Sunday of each month from June to September.
The 2023 season will kick off on June 11 with the theme PRIDE. According to producer Megyn Norbut, the festival aims to showcase Cincinnati’s support for the local LGBTQ+ community and its pride in the OTR community.
Events included drag shows by Brooklyn Steele Tate and the Cincinnati Sisters. Attendees can look forward to performances from Tracy Walker, Jess Lamb and The Factory, as well as Siri Imani.
Warmth Culture, a black and queer female-led music series based in Cincinnati, will perform at the 12th Street Stage. Their music is a mix of R&B, hip-hop and house genres.
The event is held every Sunday from noon to 5pm.
“We are honored to be participating in Second Sunday Sunday,” said Alexander Stallings of Warmth Culture. “The warmth just brings good vibes and makes Main Street want to dance.”
City Council member Reggie Harris said holidays like Second Sunday “showcase the vibrant and versatile qualities of our city and our city’s willingness to celebrate the LGBTQIA community.”
“Cincinnati is an inclusive, affirming and family-friendly city,” said Harris, who is gay. “Hope to see you there.”
Two decades of highlighting OTR’s Main Street
The second Sunday’s block party-style setup invites guests to enjoy free concerts on multiple stages, sample food from Main Street eateries, and enjoy a beer or two in the beer garden. There’s even a “water bark” set up for customers’ four-legged friends.
The Cincinnati Music Accelerator is setting up its mobile stage trailer near the 12th for live performances throughout the day.
The second Sunday of Main includes music performances, artists, food and other forms of entertainment. There’s even room for a dog. (Spectrum News 1/Casey Weldon)
As much fun as it is, at the heart of festivals are the businesses—whether pop-up or permanent—that depend on them.
The street fair organized by the Chamber of Commerce on the Rhine was originally started in 2004 by local real estate and business owners. They watched a second Sunday on Main to attract more daytime traffic to what was then known as the Main St. Entertainment District, Nobout said.
Main Street is known for its string of bars and restaurants, but there are other coffee shops, shops and service businesses up and down the six-block road.
Laura Switzer, who has been a bartender at Mr. Pitiful’s for the past seven years, calls the second Sunday “a great day for business.” One of the music stages was set just outside the door, attracting “old and new acquaintances alike”.
“Second Sunday, bring the community together,” she added.
Over the years, Second Sunday has also grown into a business accelerator for aspiring entrepreneurs. More than 100 vendors will set up shop on Sunday, selling everything from handmade soaps and greeting cards to jewelry and clothing.
Norbut described the festival as a platform for vendors to see what it would be like to run a business on the high street.
“When the chamber recruits vendors for Second Sunday, they’re specifically looking for entrepreneurs who want to eventually open in OTR’s physical space,” said Norbut, who works for event producer No Standing. Special emphasis is placed on suppliers from underrepresented populations, she said.
Brown Bear Bakery and The Bagelry are two examples of small businesses that use Second Sundays as a step to grow their customer base and eventually take root in the permanent space.
In addition to Main Street businesses, more than 100 vendors will be participating. (Spectrum News 1/Casey Weldon)
Chaske Haverkos, co-owner of Brown Bear Bakery, calls Second Sunday a “key platform” for their growth. The bakery, now located on 13th Street a block from Main Street, is using the festival as a low-cost proof of concept, Haverkos said. It allows them to “share our stories and learn what’s working and what’s not.”
He credits these experiences and connections for encouraging his team to choose OTR as the location for their first permanent bakery.
Haverkos added: “(We) are excited to see it continue to help small businesses grow further in the future and continue to support communities while bringing people together.”
Tenant recruitment is expected to increase this year, thanks in part to the Main Street Pop-up program, Norbut said. A new initiative by the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Central City Development Corporation (3CDC) aims to fill the 26 storefronts currently vacant on Main Street. Businesses can access support such as short-term leases and space expansion and marketing to test their concepts on a larger scale.
Representatives from 3CDC, Model Group, Urban Sites will be on hand Sunday and throughout the summer to answer questions.
“Whether you’re a long-time resident, aspiring artist, business owner, or first-time OTR visitor, Second Sunday has something for everyone,” says Norbut.
Future second Sundays for key dates and topics
- July 9: Main Music City
- August 13: Sunday main line second line
- September 10: Mainline maintained
[ad_2]
Source link