DELRAY BEACH — Delray Beach’s next On The Ave is moving west — from its usual five-block location east of Swinton Avenue, to the Elizabeth Wesley Plaza — named for Ida Elizabeth “Libby” Wesley,” the longtime African-American resident and educator renowned for her community activism and service — at the corner of Southwest Fifth Avenue and West Atlantic Avenue.
Set for Thursday, Aug. 8, from 6 – 10 p.m., the event which is open to the public will again be packed with outstanding entertainment at both a main stage in the plaza as well as at a second stage on Fifth Avenue and First Street.
“One of the goals of On The Ave is to highlight all that Delray Beach has to offer throughout the year, especially during the off-season months,” said Stephanie Immelman, Executive Director of the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative.
“Moving the popular one-night festival to West Atlantic Avenue in August and to the Pineapple Grove Arts District in October affords us the opportunity to showcase different areas of the city and support the surrounding local businesses.” The entertainment begins at 6 p.m. on the main stage with dance and music presentations by local children’s groups, who will perform throughout the evening.
At 7 p.m., Delray Beach Mayor Cary Glickstein will welcome and introduce a delegation from Moshi, Tanzania, one of Delray Beach’s sister cities.
Appearing on the main stage will be Plaid Blazer, an Arts Garage house band that sets the scene of hip hop’s past and brings audiences up to speed with today’s classics.
Powerhouse vocalist Charmaine Ford, whose music makes the audience want to get up and dance, will perform on the second stage from 6 – 10 p.m.
In addition to lively entertainment for people of all ages, On The Ave will showcase the works of numerous talents from Artists Alley. The event will include a beer garden and of course a variety of treat-serving food trucks will also be on hand. The Kid’s Corner will include a variety of activities, such as sidewalk chalk drawing, as well as a photo booth and face painting. Visitors will also have a chance to see and touch musical instruments at an “Instrument Petting Zoo” presented by the Arts Garage.
While Atlantic Avenue will remain open to traffic during the event, Southwest Fifth Avenue will be closed from 4 – 10 p.m.“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring residents and visitors from throughout South Florida to Delray Beach, especially to areas outside what many think of as the traditional downtown, such as West Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove,” said Immelman.
“Best of all, there seems to be a lot of support for moving On The Ave around the city.”
For more visit ontheavedelraybeach.com or call 561-279-1380.
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