In 1983, major renovations were occurring to Market Street in downtown Frederick. The construction closed this popular thoroughfare to traffic, which made for a tremendous hardship to downtown businesses. Upon completion of the work, Mayor Ron Young, working with a small group of volunteers and Market Street business owners, decided to hold a celebration to honor the reopening of this prominent downtown area. The festival to mark this completion was dubbed IN THE STREET. The event spanned nine city blocks from All Saints Street to Seventh Street. Local bands played on stages and each block had a theme. The first IN THE STREET brought approximately 10,000 people to downtown Frederick. The birth of the event also marks the start of The Office of Volunteerism, which is now called The Office of Special Events.
The first IN THE STREET was planned in just eight weeks. Fifteen hard-working volunteers raised $11,000 through donations, advertising, sales, souvenir t-shirts, soft drinks and beer. Much of the entertainment was gratis to fill the many stages that lined Market Street. Morning activities included a mile run and the IN THE STREET Parade. Both events still serve as the opening for this long-standing event.
Since 1983, many changes have taken place with IN THE STREET. First and foremost, the event was almost lost when in 1986, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen took away the committee's ability to sell beer during this event. This vote as so significant because it potentially crippled the committee's ability to produce the event. The beer sales was the major fund-raiser for this event. These funds not only supported the activities during the current year but enabled the committee to have some start up monies for the following year. The cabinet did understand the committee's fear and not wanting to lose the event, the Mayor and Board lent IN THE STREET $10,000 for the next year's event.
The committee quickly and creatively revamped. The event began to slowly evolve from an open beer party to a fun-filled family event. Finally, in 1992, the committee developed a new sponsorship campaign throughout Frederick County to gain exposure through marketing. That year, IN THE STREET finally returned to a positive bank balance, boasting $13.22.
In 1993, golf tournament
In 1994, ON THE DECK
The 90s brought new theme blocks and great music. In fact, in 1995 the committee began offering national headliners to the entertainment line-up. The committee has welcomed Peaches and Herb, The Drifters, The Trammps, and Lila McCann to name a few.
In 1998, the Office of Special Events revamped the sponsorship campaign to include all 13 events produced by this office. This new campaign flourished and increased sponsorship dollars for all events by 33%. The focus still remains on entertainment, great food and wonderful theme blocks.
In 2002, IN THE STREET Celebrated its 20th Anniversary by welcoming top notch entertainment! The event welcomed 60,000 people to downtown Frederick!
This year's event promises to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever! Don’t miss some of the exciting new features in 2006. Sights and sounds from around the globe will greet you as you stroll along the Carroll Creek Linear Park, new home to the ever-popular International Block. Looking for the best in regional alternative and rock music? Head to the Sixth Street Stage. Along the way explore the newly created History Block, as well as six other themed blocks, two wine and beer tasting locations and skateboard demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
IN THE STREET will celebrate it 25th Anniversary in 2007! If you would like to become a part of the volunteer committee who plans this spectacular event, please get involved by calling The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-228-2844.
The purpose of IN THE STREET is to expose the Frederick Community and visitors to a day of free, diverse local and regional entertainment, local foods and performing arts while highlighting the downtown historic shopping district. Although merchants do not sell during this event, it is a great marketing venue to encourage future visits to their retail establishment. In addition, this event also provides a means for local non-profit organizations to promote their programs. Overall, IN THE STREET is about promoting what the community has to offer to its residents.
Click here for Directions to IN THE STREET.
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