A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
Saturday's West End Flourish event offers something for everyone as musicians, artists, vendors, crafters, food trucks and others shut down the street and turn the most historic section of town into a lively street market plus kids activities.
Kids can jump in bouncies on Avenue C, make puppets with the County Seat Theater, color with the Eagles, get their faces painted, and ride on a tiny toy train that will travel around the streets while they're closed to traffic.
Cloquet's historic West End will again become the bustling community center it once was on Saturday, replete with more than 30 vendors selling their wares, bouncy houses, free yoga classes, live music and three food trucks.
The West End Flourish event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on Avenues C and B and Vine Street, which will be closed to traffic for the one-day street market.
Organizer and Pine Knot advertising director Ivan Hohnstadt promises a pedestrian-friendly festival with plenty to see and do. There will be art and artisans, demonstrations, shopping and informational booths. Vendors will line Avenue C and classic and otherwise remarkable cars are invited to park along Avenue B for an informal car gathering. The VFW parking lot will be transformed into an outdoor food court featuring The Food Stand, Tom's Taste of Chicago and Granny's Mini Donuts. James Wiita and Steve Solkela's Overpopulated One-Man Band are performing at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, and additional buskers are invited to come down and set up by the food court.
"We'd love to see lots of people come down to the West End and reacquaint themselves with the most historic part of town while supporting local businesses and artists," Hohnstadt said. "Plus, it's always fun to see people you haven't seen in a while."
There's something for everyone at this year's West End Flourish. Oaken Hollow Games creator Darrell Davey will have two of his unique games for sale. Crystal Dragon offers tarot readings, chakra healing and more. Carlton County Animal Rescue will be there with foster pets and information for those who want to get involved with the local nonprofit. In search of a unique birdhouse or a handcrafted leather bag? Stop by Frank's Crafts or Adlynn Designs, which makes the bags locally.
In addition to plenty of shopping for homegrown art and items, residents can try something new at the West End event.
• Caroline Ripp will offer free 45-minute yoga classes at noon and 1 p.m. at The Nest studio inside the First National Bank building (turn left upon entering the front door).
• Kids can jump in bouncies on Avenue C, make puppets with the County Seat Theater, color with the Eagles, get their faces painted, and ride on a tiny toy train that will travel around the streets while they're closed to traffic.
• Local blacksmiths will demonstrate how to make a wrought iron hook, and they're willing to teach you how to make one of your own.
"Let's wake up the West End," Hohnstadt said. "Come on down."
