Photo by Asia Morris.
The events and activities set to take place during Beach Streets Midtown on Saturday, November 12 are officially scheduled, according to a city announcement today. During the event, Anaheim Street from Orange Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will be closed to vehicle traffic.
“Our Beach Streets events are uniquely fun and uniquely Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “It’s exciting to explore our diverse neighborhoods and spend time with the community on foot or by bike.”
Thousands of people are expected to attend Beach Streets Midtown, to walk, cycle and socialize on car-free streets between 9:00AM to 3:00PM. Family-friendly entertainment will feature activities located at MacArthur Park and the intersection of Anaheim Street and PCH, where the Recreation Festival is set to take place.
“We’ll have a wide assortment of family-friendly activities,” stated Councilwoman Suzie Price. “Come on out and enjoy bands, bounce houses, bicycle and skateboarding demonstrations at the Recreation Festival.”
Along Anaheim Street, entertainment and educational events will include hands-on cyclocross and bicycle safety demonstrations at Walnut Avenue, while the Long Beach Transit Administration Building will host bike rack demonstrations on the new zero-emission battery powered buses, multiple bands and an art piece the public can participate in creating, according to the city.
“Beach Streets Open Street events are a great opportunity to discover local businesses and services, try a new restaurant and explore a neighborhood,” said Councilmember Daryl Supernaw in a statement. “Our restaurants and businesses are throwing out all the stops to welcome old and new customers.”
Traditional and contemporary forms of dance and movement will be featured at the MacArthur Park hub, including traditional Khmer, Hmong, Aztec, Micronesian and West African art demonstrations and drum and dance groups; along with hip hop and street dancing. Much of the entertainment is affiliated with the Homeland Cultural Center, according to the city.
“We are happy to see Beach Streets coming closer to the Midtown area,” stated Councilmember Dee Andrews.
Only non-motorized forms of transportation can be used along the route including bicycles, skates, rollerblades, skateboards, walking, etc. according to the organizers, unless it’s an officially marked mode of transportation for those with disabilities.
For more information, visit the website here.