Animas City Night Bazaars are back.
The monthly street parties – now in their fourth season – kicked off Wednesday night with the theme of “Homegrown Hootenanny,” and the alley between 29th and 31st streets was filled with people listening to music and watching aerialists, shopping local vendors, eating and drinking and just reconnecting with their friends and neighbors.
It’s a community event based on the Italian tradition of passeggiata, a leisurely summer night stroll with friends and family. And there’s a beautification element to the bazaar as well – volunteers are spending the summer painting a rainbow hexagon asphalt mural along the alleyway, said Trevor Lytle, ACNB board president and longtime resident of the neighborhood.
“What we’re trying to do is basically promote underutilized spaces, public safety ... we have been trying to promote safety because, riding your bike or walking on 550 just still doesn’t feel comfortable yet, even though they put in those bike lanes. And we’ve always traveled up and down that alleyway to get from our houses to restaurants or the rec center or the river,” he said. “We just thought that by doing the mural, we kind of promote that and do beautification of the space.”
If you go
What: Animas City Night Bazaar.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month to October.
Where: Animas Alley between 29th and 31st streets.
More Information: Visit www.animascitynightbazaar.com or email animascitynightbazaar@gmail.com.
This year’s themes:
July 28: “Mystikal Night” (sponsored by The Durango Team by Wells Group).
Aug. 28: “Game Night + Scavenger Hunt” (sponsored by Bird’s).
Sept. 29: “Oktoberfest” (sponsored by The Union Social House).
October TBD: “All Hallow’s Eve” (sponsored by Durango Land and Homes).
Lytle said the Night Bazaars are also a way to help promote businesses in the area, including A Smile By Design, Union Social House, Zia Taqueria, 81301 Coffee House and Roasters, HomeSlice Pizza, Bird’s and Sage Farm Fresh Eats, as well as the event’s sponsors, which include: the Business Improvement District, Bank of the San Juans, Four Corners Stove & Spa, Durango Land and Homes, The Durango Team by Wells Group and Alpenglow Properties.
And, according to its website, because of ACNB’s mission to build community, support local artisans and activate underutilized spaces in Animas City, ACNB was also awarded grants from Durango Friends of the Arts, the city of Durango, Durango Creates!, the Ballantine Family Fund and La Plata Electric Association.
Working with its new partner, The Hive, ACNB is planning a summer full of live music, food and drinks, and “the usual Bazaar fanfare, like circus performers, pop-up art, flash mobs and much more.”
For Lytle, the Night Bazaars are a great way to not only help foster community – it’s a fun way to break up the grind of the work week.
“Our mission statement is basically to build a community, support local businesses and create beautiful spaces in Animas City. I was a longtime neighbor there and I remember living in Portland and having something like this where I had a sense of community,” he said. “What it does, I really think, is that when everyone’s done with work and they’re coming out in the middle of a work week, and you can have a beer, meet up with a friend and watch something weird, it creates an experience, and that is in a sense a root that you’re growing in your community. And before you know it, you’re gathering more friends and family together.”
The next Night Bazaar will be held July 28 with the theme “Mystikal Night,” and it will be another chance for you to get out and meet your neighbors.
“We find comfort in community. We believe connections are made when you listen to your neighbors stories, lend a hand when needed and find joy in seeing them thrive,” ACNB members said. “We are all stronger when we put down roots. We hope our community discovers new roots here at the Animas City Night Bazaar. By lending an their ear and engaging within the stories of new artists, crafters, performers and local merchants. We look forward to having fun, cracking a smile and making new connections.”
katie@durangoherald.com
