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Last Updated: Oct 16th, 2008 - 13:33:17 |
The unmistakable scent of turkey legs mingled with hints of corn and cheesecake, wafted through Denver's clean streets and reached into the far corners of Civic Center Park. A crowd, varying from suburban families to urban hipsters, bunched and dispersed between long rows of white tents and colorful tie-dyed clothing displays.
These smells and sights marked the 37th Annual People's Fair on June 7 and 8. The fair, funded by Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN), annually contributes a percentage of sales to Denver community organizations.
The fair offered free admission to all ages and ran from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on June 7 (Sunday's schedule was an hour shorter). Several streets were closed as an estimated 250,000 people passed through the event. More than 300 volunteers pitched in to make this year a success.
Vendors and nonprofit groups ranging from handmade jewelry sellers to Habitat for Humanity lined the park, eager to chat with fairgoers and raise money for themselves and for CHUN. Fortune telling, face painting and a wine pavilion also stood among the fair's highlights. The fair featured 120 musical performers, including jazz, soul and rock groups, which kept the six stages occupied. Nearby, a kid and family area (complete with a carnival feature) and youth mural project attracted participants and spectators. Sidewalk chalk drawings flourished on the hot asphalt and cement, although the sunny weather eventually gave way to light rain showers on Sunday afternoon.
Many community events featured the classic hamburger and hot dog menu, but the People's Fair recruited several vendors with original--and tempting--culinary ideas. Cheesecake, chocolate-dipped fruit, gyros and even crepes were on the menu. Alcohol and soft drink sales were the primary contributors to the fundraising side of the event. Tickets were required for purchasing food and drink, but lines stayed short. Volunteers and employees were prompt, systematic and appeared to have their businesses running smoothly.
This year, CHUN began working to transition the People's Fair in accordance with the city's "Greenprint Denver" plan. All groups present at the event were urged to support environmentally friendly practices, including educational exhibits and a special emphasis on recycling.
In addition to the annual People's Fair, CHUN has accomplished much in its 39-year lifespan.
Established in 1969, CHUN was formed to prevent city planners from making unwanted changes in Denver's aging neighborhoods. The organization has since evolved to include historical preservation and urban diversity in its goals, raising more than $900,000 for its grants program and Capitol Hill. The People's Fair originated as a neighborhood event in 1971, starting with just 2,000 attendees.
Besides planning next year's People's Fair, CHUN's goals include an assessment of historic buildings on Colfax and an effort to increase the organization's membership. Raising the involvement could lead to citywide tours.
The People's Fair will run again in 2009, with applications for performing already available for this juried event at chundenver.org.
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