Efforts to transform Chula Vista’s Third Avenue Village into a countywide destination continue as the Third Avenue Village Association is hosting its second annual Village Street Faire April 13.
The free fundraising event is family friendly with the proceeds going back into the association’s efforts to revitalize Third Avenue, said Luanne Hulsizer, executive director of Third Avenue Village Association.
“The Village Street Faire is designed to promote the brand of the village,” Hulsizer said. “It’s a great way to give back to the village and bring people down to Third Avenue. Even people from other parts of the county can come and see what a gem Third Avenue in Chula Vista really is.”
Local vendors will turn out with booths and food trucks as well as two performance stages with live music from some local artists.
“I’m excited to see The Distractions,” Hulsizer said. The Distractions is a popular Elvis Costello tribute band based in San Diego. It is a musical choice that was a bit of a risk, according to Hulsizer, but she says they are trying to attract a wide variety of audiences.
“We also want to attract young couples and young adults. So, you always want to be relevant,” she added.
For the kids there is the Fun Zone, carnival games and giant inflatable slides, as well as artisan booths and similar fair vendors. Most of the shops and restaurants will be open for business along Third Avenue.
“And of course there’s always the food,” said Hulsizer. “You can get your barbecue, tacos, we have some sweet stuff like churros. You can’t have a street fair without great food.”
In its second year, the fair is still a growing event with an expected 20,000 people in attendance, which would be about 5,000 more than last year. The association will continue to grow the event each year. The recent addition of Jim Schneider as the association’s event coordinator will be an important part of improving and growing this and other events.
“We’re really looking forward this year to changing things up and mixing it up a little,” Hulsizer said.
