YARMOUTH WELCOMES SWITCH AGAIN.
The Town of Yarmouth will be switching things up on its Main Street again this summer with the return of the popular SWITCH event.
Introduced two summers ago, SWITCH Open Street involves shutting down Main Street to vehicular traffic and opening it up as a safe, fun, festive and familyfriendly pedestrian promenade for the afternoon on selected Sundays.
This year the final Sundays in July and August have been chosen as SWITCH days. The hours for both events will be noon to 4 p.m. and the area of Main Street to be opened up for these events is the span stretching from Parade Street to Cumberland Street.
The theme selected for the July 29 SWITCH event is Street Play, and the intent is to offer a multitude of activities where Main Street becomes a play area. Hopscotch, hula hoops, and skipping ropes will be brought out for the event. SWITCH participants, which includes vendors, are encouraged to add some play activities to their booths.
“We may have some activities supplied but like to encourage organizations to set up their own creative street play – would love to see hopscotch, giant Twister game, people chess, etc.,” says Natalie Smith, the town’s economic development officer.
The second SWITCH event will be an End of Summer Beach Party on Aug. 26.
To participate as a vendor or register your group as a par- ticipant you can contact the town by telephone at 902-7421505, visit the third floor of the town hall or send an email to planningadmin@ townofyarmouth.ca.
Smith says there is no specific deadline for registrations, but at least a week to a couple of days before the event is good for the town so it can gauge vendor participation.
“We do not assign locations with the exception to musicians,” Smith explains. “It is especially important for any vendor/ organization selling food and beverage, made by them, to give themselves enough time to get their food permit from the local Food Safety Specialist.”
SWITCH events are presented by the Town of Yarmouth and Yarmouth Recreation.
“The SWITCH Open Street Events are a great way for community members to get involved and showcase their business or community organization,” says Yarmouth Recreation director Frank Grant. “It is a great, fun event as it promotes walking, socializing, music, food vendors and more. We always have physical activity stations as well. Thanks so much to the Town of Yarmouth for their support with this great event.”