The annual Montgomery Hills Street Fest is returning this weekend to celebrate local businesses and community spirit and to advocate for safety improvements to Georgia Avenue.
The festival is free and will take place on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. on Columbia Boulevard between Seminary Road and 16th Street.
In addition to entertainment, food from area restaurants, food trucks, and games, the festival was created in 2018 “to connect residents with local businesses, restaurants, and community services while highlighting the urgent need to fund and expedite improvements to Georgia Avenue,” organizers said.
“We are excited for our 4th Montgomery Hills Street Fest. This year’s fest is more than just a celebration – it’s a call to action,” said Michelle Foster, President of the Friends of Montgomery Hills neighborhood association and one of the festival organizers.
“Georgia Avenue between Forest Glen Road and 16th Street has long been one of the most hazardous stretches of road in Maryland. The corridor is notorious for being unsafe for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. With high traffic volume, narrow sidewalks, and a reversible lane, the area has seen numerous accidents and remains unpleasant for anyone traveling through it.
“As the gateway to downtown Silver Spring—one of the County’s and State’s most significant economic hubs—this stretch of Georgia Avenue holds immense potential, but its current conditions prevent small, local businesses from flourishing and give the area a bleak and unwelcoming appearance.”
Vendors from the upcoming Commas food hall at Ellsworth Place, as well as Denizens Brewing Co., Sabor Express Grill, Talia’s Cuzina, Lime & Cilantro, Urban Winery, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Milk and Honey, and Fred’s Ice Cream Truck, will offer food and drink.
Local artisans and vendors will showcase handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique goods and services. Children will also have activities, including games, face painting, a fire truck, and mounted police.
Area nonprofits will provide information on local services, health, safety, and more, including A Wider Circle, the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Sligo Creek Golf Course, and the Maryland State Highway Agency.
Apollo66, 49-Cent Dress, The Red Castle Blues, and Hollertown will provide live music.
In addition to the activities and entertainment, county and state elected officials will attend the festival to discuss their commitments to prioritize county and state funding for improvements to Georgia Ave.
Proposed upgrades to Georgia Ave. between Forest Glen Road and 16th Street include removing the reversible lane, adding two left-turn lanes, widening and upgrading sidewalks, constructing a cycle track, and greening the corridor with tree-lined streets.
The design and engineering phases of the project are nearly complete.
Festival organizers said that Senator Chris Van Hollen has secured $1 million in federal funding for the project but still requires additional local and state support for the construction phase.
“These improvements would not only create a safer and more pleasant experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists but also provide a much-needed economic boost to local businesses. The vision for Montgomery Hills is a vibrant neighborhood center where residents can easily walk, bike, shop for groceries, or meet friends for coffee, while safely accessing both Red and Purple Line stations. These plans have received broad community support.”
Festival attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or walk, as parking will be limited. The festival is near the Forest Glen Metro station on the Red Line.
More information is available at the Friends of Montgomery Hills website.
Photo Courtesy of Friends of Montgomery Hills
