First Avenue to be closed off for Crazy Day

Every year about this time, the Main Street Downtown Association scurries around trying to find crafters, merchants, food vendors and entertainment for their annual Crazy Day, said Charlie Kourajian, Main Street Ambassador. Due to the lack of downtown merchants, this year is even more critical to the continuance of this annual event, he said. Crazy Day this year will be held in downtown Jamestown on July 27.

First Avenue from First Street South to Third Street and First West and Second Street from alley to alley will be closed off all day July 27 only and merchants from all over town are invited to display their products and offer some bargains for the shoppers, Kourajian said. Anyone who displays downtown can be on the streets as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 4 p.m.

Featured again this year will be some entertainment starting at 11 a.m., four inflatable air games ($5 charge for all-day bouncing), the Victory Lutheran Barrel Train, food and the Ping Pong Ball Drop at 1 p.m.

“We are trying hard to find some activity for every half hour starting at 11 a.m. to keep our visitors occupied and downtown,” Kourajian said. “So far the response has been slow, but positive, but we can still use more entertainers and vendors.”

Merchants, crafters and food vendors for Crazy Day are asked to call Kourajian at 320-3015 if they would like to reserve a spot on First Avenue. There will be a $30 charge for each participant with the money being used to advertise the event.

As in the past, sponsors are needed to make Crazy Day successful. Nonprofit organizations can look for sponsors if they wish to have a spot on the street and can’t afford the fee. There will be no charge for groups that want to perform and get some public exposure.

For more information, the Main Street Downtown Association can be reached at its office at 206 First Ave. South, Suite 140, or by calling 320-3015.

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