Thirty-seven years ago, when it all began, few expected the Fargo Downtown Street Fair to become the iconic event it has become. Upward of 150,000 people will visit the fair, running today through late Saturday afternoon. This year's Street Fair is as big as it's ever been, with hundreds of exhibitors/vendors/entertainers and the largest, most diverse food courts (two of 'em) in the event's history.
The mid-summer fair occupies the city's central business and entertainment core. In the past decade its footprint has expanded to include not only a long stretch of Broadway, but also side streets that intersect with Broadway. That was done to accommodate larger and larger crowds and the demands from vendors from all over the region to secure booth, tent and performance space. Some of them have been setting up at the Street Fair from the beginning; others are new this year. Still others are on a waiting list.
Food court changes in the past couple of years have made the Street Fair one of the most interesting and attractive summer events of its kind.
Some summer festivals come and go. They have a lifespan. The Fargo Downtown Street Fair, however, is nearly 40 years young and going strong. It has changed and grown in response to the needs of vendors/exhibitors and the expectations of visitors. It looks to be a great time this year, starting today at 10 a.m. Stay cool in the hot weather, and enjoy.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
