It hasn't been seen since the late '90s and no, it's not the Hale-Bopp comet.
It's the Humboldt street festival, dubbed Street Fest 2014, and it's going to be back with a punch this year.
At the City of Humboldt council meeting April 14, a report was submitted to officially declare that the long-awaited rebirth of the city's street festival would be happening Aug. 22-23 on Main Street.
"We're really excited. I think this is something people have wanted for a long time," said Jeff Bunko, member of the Business Improvement District (BID) committee and festival organizer.
The local BID has been drumming up ways to enhance Humboldt's downtown core since the committee's formation over a year ago. One of the ideas that always remained at the forefront of their mind was to have a street festival complete with music entertainment and a beer gardens, similar to what took place years ago.
Bunko said the planning is still in the beginning stages but they have a fairly clear idea of what will happen during the two-day event.
Main Street will be closed off from 5th to 7th Avenue, with the festival kicking off at noon on Friday, Aug. 22 with a barbecue and possibly some local entertainment.
Although council initially had some questions regarding highway traffic during those two days, it was assured that incoming passerbys can be re-routed through the side streets.
Bunko said the plan is to have something for everyone - barbecued fare, face painting for the kiddies, a multicultural stage and street dance, which the Humboldt Regional Newcomer Centre would help organize, live entertainment from local bands and musicians, possible bake sales and booths set up by local organizations.
There's even a good chance that a show 'n' shine will take place.
"We're really interested in getting the local Vintage Club in on this, to bring some classic cars down for people to see."
When contacted about this possibility, Gloria Weber of the Vintage Club said they'd be very interested in helping out.
"I don't see why not," she said cheerfully. "It'd be a win-win for both. Maybe we can even serve up some elephant ears."
Elephant ears?
"They're just like beaver tails!"
Sounds like a plan to me.
But the big kicker of the event is the headliner on Friday night.
Kenny Shields & Streetheart will be playing to the crowd that evening on a main stage, with the beer gardens set up conveniently nearby for those who want to mellow out with a cold brewski in their hand.
"People can even bring their own lawn chairs, "Bunko said. "We want this to just be a really fun atmosphere on a summer's night."
Bunko said the plan is to hopefully get local band 40oz. Philosophy to open for Streetheart, followed by an equally thrilling cabaret the following evening on Saturday.
While people are jamming out to the gigs that are happening, the local storefronts will likely be moving much of their merchandise onto the streets for sidewalk sales; the farmers market, which is now hosted at the Humboldt seniors hall, will also be going on that Saturday.
For those interested in doing an event in conjunction with the street festival, or volunteering to help out, contact Jeff Bunko at [email protected].
"The more volunteers, the merrier," he said. "This is a great time for a festival, right when summer vacations are coming to an end."
