Dan Bates, president and CEO of Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce said this is the largest Hamilpalooza ever with more than 150 vendors, a car show, two live bands, stilt walkers, a dunk tank, a petting farm and a county-wide outreach to local veterans.
“Two things really excite me, the opportunity to partner with the Veterans Service Commission in their first-ever county-wide outreach for information and services that are available to those who have served. The other thing is the free bus loop that will connect Hamilpalooza to the local brick-and-mortar retail shops, restaurants and bars in the downtown area. The Summer Celebration shuttle is free and will continuously loop to free parking on Martin Luther King and to businesses along B Street, Park and Main, High Street, Third and Market,” Bates said.
Bates said the geographic footprint of the event has almost tripled to accommodate the car show and all the added festivities and attractions. And the first 150 veterans will receive vouchers that can be used at the food trucks and participating restaurants in the downtown DORA (outdoor drink) area.
The event will stretch from Third Street to RiversEdge and from Buckeye to Market. Eventgoers may use the bus shuttle during the day to visit the downtown businesses on both sides of the river, including Spooky Nook.
“Each year we change it up so if you have been to Hamilpalooza in the past, you haven’t seen Hamilpalooza this year,” said Bates.
Businesses, non-profits, churches, service organizations all turn out because it’s a really fun day and we get thousands of attendees from all over the area, he said.
Arts organizations, including the Fitton Center, Pyramid Hill, and InsideOut Studio will be well represented at Hamilpalooza this year.
“The Fitton Center is always delighted to have the opportunity to partner in community events. Hamilpalooza is an outstanding showcase of all that Hamilton has to offer. From local businesses, and non-profit organizations through to restaurants and service industries, and of course the arts. We’re excited to be at Marcum Park this Saturday and to be a part of this fun annual event,” said Ian MacKenzie-Thurley, executive director at Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
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