The rain didn’t stop a few thousand people from attending Eugene’s biggest party in the streets on September 22nd. Those who came out enjoyed another fantastic day of Eugene Sunday Streets; car-free open streets with music, dancing, food, and fun for all ages. This year’s Sunday Streets kicked off with the EUG Parade & Pet Promenade with over 50 people powered entries showcasing their interpretation of the theme “Steppin’ Out”. Eugeneans watched the colorful parade roll (and walk, skate, scoot, push, pull, fly and meander) by and then filled the streets behind it to have their own fun walking, biking, and rolling the car-free Sunday Streets route.
The rainy morning might have scared some people, but those who walked, biked and rolled this year’s longer downtown route enjoyed some of the best music, entertainment, and play in the street we’ve ever experienced. Attendees were able to catch a free ride around the route on the social Pub Cycle group-powered bikes, local pedicabs, and free PeaceHealth Rides bike share. There were more stages hosting live music, increased route attractions including the Flanger Bike Fair Ride, interactive wayfinding signage, and endless opportunities to use Downtown Eugene streets in fun and creative ways.
This year’s Sunday Streets organizer, Kelsey Moore, says “Sunday Streets is a fantastic event because it brings the community together and allows us to use our public streets in creative and interactive ways. Seeing families out walking down the middle of the street, stopping to enjoy a performance and chatting with friends, that’s what open streets events are all about. I’m proud that the City of Eugene continues to host annual open streets events that bring the community together and promote healthy and active lifestyles, encourage active transportation use, support local businesses, and celebrate our unique neighborhoods."
We'll be celebrating all of our sponsors, volunteers, staff, and participants who made the event come to life with a special Thank You Party & Vision Zero Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 9th from 5:30-7:30 at the Broadway Commerce Center. Come down and help us celebrate with pizza, a Bike Gear Fashion Show, a red carpet and selfie station, a live DJ, and raffle prizes!