Georgefest gets new name: St. George Streetfest
New management team offers enhanced event
By Carrie Bunker
March 2, 2018 will mark the debut of St. George Streetfest right in the heart of downtown St. George with an event themed “Up, Up and Away” kicking off at 6 p.m. at Main Street and Town Square. For the past two years, the St. George community has come to know Georgefest, a family-friendly festival held the first Friday of each month. Georgefest fans are really in for a treat as the festival’s new management team has worked diligently to bring more features, festivities, food, and fun to the local community. As executive director of St. George Streetfest, I am excited about the upcoming debut and the wonderful team behind the event.
The St. George Streetfest support staff includes members who previously worked with the event and new folks as well. Staff members include Main Street manager Kat Bliss, entertainment manager George Scott, Jazz Garden crew manager Kasey Gulbranson, Jazz Garden beverage managers Mike and Monica Gonzales, and volunteer and nonprofit coordinator Linda Johnston.
The event’s mission remains the same as it was designed to revitalize the heart of downtown St. George and make it a destination for residents and tourists. The festival showcases downtown businesses, local arts, vendors, and food and provides quality activities and entertainment for all ages the first Friday of the month. Organizers provide a consistent, clean, safe outdoor nightlife experience for the entire community. We are truly looking forward to bringing this re-branded event to life.
Now, there are even more things to love about first Fridays, including lots of great attractions:
—The Independent Stage at Town Square features music by locals and for locals in a family-friendly environment at Town Square — conveniently located right next to the library, the children’s museum, and the splash pad.
—The Stapley Family Fun Zone features jump houses, an obstacle course, ultimate ping pong, pottery, crafts, and a climbing wall from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per wrist band.
—The Nielson RV Vendor Village features over 30 arts and crafts vendors and retail merchants, tour RV’s and campers, and First Friday discounts from 6 to 9 p.m.
—There will be Red Door Dental face painting.
—There will be a Stone Canyon Eye Care interactive mirror photo booth.
—The Chef Hog Food Truck Row powered by Tuacahn features food trucks and more from 6 to 10 p.m.
—Main Street stage and vendors feature quality family entertainment and bands from 6 to 9 p.m. followed by the Festival Sounds DJ dance party from 9 to 10 p.m. Downtown vendors feature products and great food.
—The Desert Pulse Jazz Garden at Green Gate Village features jazz musicians the first hour and high quality bands the remainder of the night, dancing, beer and wine from 6 p.m. to midnight. There is a $5 cover charge.
—Other activities such as a trampoline bungee, a mechanical bull, a magician, hip hop dancers, vocal talent, and karaoke.
Vendor opportunities are still available by visiting stgeorgestreetfest.com/vendor.
“Up and Up and Away” March 2 featured entertainment
The Independent Stage at Town Square
6 p.m.: Shauna Ritter
7 p.m.: Nedje Douyon
8 p.m.: Even Stevens Superstar
8:30 p.m.: Dixie Jam
Main Street Stage
6 p.m.: Even Stevens Super Star
7 p.m.: Nic Chamberlain Band
9 p.m.: DJ Dance Party
Desert Pulse Jazz Garden at Green Gate Village
6 p.m.: Dixieland Jazz
7 p.m.: Even Stevens Super Star
9 p.m.: Less Than Lucid
“As the entertainment director and with the new direction of St. George Streetfest, I am excited to be back on board and extremely committed to raise the bar on the entertainment and reputation of the event,” said George Scott. “This is what I do for a living and my name and reputation is heavily tied to what is presented. You will be hard pressed to find anyone more serious and enthusiastic about this event or the community.”
“As a vendor providing food for the event, I love being a part of it because of the way it brings the community together and the interaction between everyone,” said Jeff Germain, owner of Chef Hog. “Now that we are sponsoring the food truck village with Tuachan, we look forward to an even better year!”
Upcoming event dates and themes
April 6: Fool’s Day
May 4: Cinco de Mayo and Iron Streetfest
June 1: Moonlight Madness and glow run
July 6: Independence Day celebration and fireworks
Aug. 3: Islands celebration and luau
Sept. 7: Cowboy country jam
Oct. 5: Oktoberfest and art show
