HYANNIS – Cape Cod residents know this time of year well. The time where the end of summer tourism is marked by slower times across the area.
It’s only fitting that the Open Streets Program is returning to Cape Cod this weekend as Hyannis is opens up Main Street to people of all ages and abilities.
“The concept of Open Streets for Hyannis is to basically just open up the streets to its residents and visitors. We pull all the traffic off of Main Street and allow for a wonderful half-mile of car free space for people to be able to socialize, walk, bike, dance, roller skate, basically take the street over in a safe way,” said event Co-founder Jane Walsh.
The car-free event allows for area residents to enjoy fresh air and healthy activities, listen and dance to great music, and discover what local businesses have to offer.
Walsh said that Open Streets is something she’s wanted to do in Hyannis for a long time.
“We used to do a lot of street festivals back in the ‘80s and as a kid growing up here that was something I always enjoyed and looked forward to,” said Walsh, who feels that the 2016 U.S. Presidential election played a role in dividing communities.
“I felt like the last election, I hate to say it, but it was very divisive. It shouldn’t matter about what you think politically or what you think about anything. We’re all here together as humans and lets just find some common ground and try to socialize a little bit more.”
The village green will keep youngsters at the event entertained with pogo sticks, tug of war, and giant inflatable slides. A special appearance by Hyannis’ Soccer Dog is also expected. Kids will also be captivated as they explore and climb around Hyannis Fire District’s antique fire truck.
“We’ve got the Cape Cod Roller Derby coming this year to come skate around, so that’ll be fun. They’ll be teaching people little tricks and showing people what they do and maybe doing some recruiting, get some kids involved,” said Walsh.
“Everything is free. There will be face painting and balloon painting. We always are committed to making everything free so there’s no excuse not to come.”
Another Hyannis Open Streets is scheduled for Sunday, October 21, with four more dates booked in April, May, September, and October of 2019.
“I feel like it’s really important to connect with people on a face-to-face personal level, and this is just like an old fashioned country fair,” said Walsh. “All the benefits you get from an old fashioned country fair is what we’re kind of trying to create here.”
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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