Here’s something that doesn’t happen every day: the City of Raleigh is shutting down Hillsborough Street.
The reason? The Hillsborough Street Renaissance, which Legacy Event Planners organized, is designed to bring people out to support local business and charities in an environmentally-friendly way.
Students should go out to the festival for this historic occasion. Food and entertainment will be available and attendees will support local business.
And hey, it’s good for the environment — the festival will use biofuels, and organizers are looking to recycle as much trash as possible and use purchased carbon credits to offset any emissions.
But enjoy the festivities safely — students have an opportunity to build a solid tradition around Hillsborough Street and help revitalize the area in a way that years of planning and discussion have not been able to do.
Rain or shine, the vendors and venues will be open, and the only thing missing is the people to make this event memorable.
Jennifer Halweil, director of operations for the Hillsborough Street Renaissance, said organizers are finalizing plans to get as many tents as possible for the various venues and alternate locations for the fashion show taking place at the festival. The weather will be no excuse for people not to stay at home.
Safety is another major concern. While the festival area itself is subject to strict rules regarding alcohol consumption, which will be heavily enforced, there are no such restrictions at local establishments for serving alcohol.
It is up to students to be responsible for their behavior and follow the rules regarding alcohol use. Students should also look to head to some of the events local business have scheduled after the festival instead of doing something that might jeopardize the future of this event.
Halweil also said the festival is an opportunity for students to send a strong message to all the nay-sayers who said the City of Raleigh would never shut Hillsborough Street down and the organizers couldn’t raise enough money and support to actually pull the event off.
Students, if you want Hillsborough Street to be more than just a boring place to go for food that isn’t from a dining hall, go support the Hillsborough Street Renaissance.
Whether you show up for the live entertainment and visiting vendors or drop by the local bars to watch the ACC tournament, get out to Hillsborough Street Saturday.
