California's fifth largest city has been absent from the state, national, and international extravaganza of Open Streets festivals that have been going on in recent decades. That all changes as of Sunday, when Fresno will open its streets for families, cyclists, pedestrians, skaters, and runners.
CenCALvia is Fresno's first foray into Open Streets. The free family-friendly festival will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday, October 2. The route will run along both sides of East Ventura Avenue for just over a mile between First Street on the east and Cedar Avenue on the west.
The route will be lined with vendor booths on both sides of the streets, mixing nonprofits, public health groups, media, and local businesses. I have yet to see someone get married at an Open Streets event (as happened at L.A.'s first CicLAvia), but with the Ventura Wedding Chapel's booth located just east of Fourth Street on Ventura Avenue, there's always hope.
Okay, so that's really just the location for the opening ceremonies.... but maybe if two people show up and WANT TO GET MARRIED, I mean... all the equipment will already be there...
For more on CenCALvia, visit its official website or Facebook page. Streetsblog CA is looking forward to seeing images from the event, so please send any pictures or video to damien@streetsblog.org or leave links in the comments section.
Welcome to the party, Fresno!
