In this file photo, cyclists pass a mural on Pacific Avenue as they take part in the Beach Streets event, which featured a 2.5-mile route that was shut down to vehicles. Photo by Tracey Roman.
Beach Streets was back in Long Beach Saturday afternoon as residents enjoyed 2.5 miles of car-free road between Downtown and Wrigley on Pacific Ave.
The event included three festival hubs, each featuring a variety of activities and entertainment.
“I love how this event really gets the community involved. At the end of the day, no one is wanting to leave,” said Karen Magy, who was painting faces at the Willow Street stop.
Whether people were riding a bike, roller skating, walking or using another creative mode of transportation, there was a lot to see on Pacific Ave.
Paisajes de Mexico Ballet Folklorico performed in front of the North Gate Market, where people could rest and grab some tacos.
Long Beach has now had several of these Beach Street events and the community has shown up in droves.
“I think they are fun. It’s a great idea to bring people into a neighborhood that they may not have rode through before,” said attendee Michelle Gerdes.
Bicyclist, scooters, walkers and more make their way down Pacific Ave in Long Beach on Saturday morning as they participate in the Beach Streets event. Photo by Tracey Roman.Aleyah and Grecia Gonzalez cruise up and down Pacific Ave. on Saturday morning as Pacific Avenue was closed off for the Beach Street event. Photo by Tracey Roman.Paisajes de Mexico Ballet Folklorico perform for the crowd in front of Northgate Market on Pacific Ave. as the street was closed down for the Beach Street event on Saturday. Photo by Tracey Roman.A crowd gathered in front of the Northgate Market on Pacific Ave. to watch Paisajes de Mexico Ballet Folklorico perfom as part of the Beach Streets event on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Tracey Roman.Artist Norm Zeigler sketches portraits for participants at the Beach Streets event on Pacific Ave. Saturday afternoon in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.Bicyclists ride down tree-lined Pacific Ave. in Long Beach Saturday morning as they participate in the Beach Streets event which closed down a two and a half mile route for participants to enjoy. Photo by Tracey Roman.Bicyclists pass a mural on Pacific Ave. Saturday afternoon as they take part in the Beach Streets event which featured a 2.5 mile route that was shut down to vehicles. Photo by Tracey Roman.Volunteers make sure everyone is safe as cars go through the Beach Streets event Saturday, April 26, 2019 in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.Pets were brought along to enjoy strolling up and down the 2.5 mile stretch of Pacific Ave. as it was closed down for the Beach Streets event Saturday. Photo by Tracey Roman.Chuck Nicols helps Maya Nicols roll on a skateboard down Pacific Ave. as the street was shut down for the Beach Streets event Saturday afternoon. Photo by Tracey Roman.Robert Castillo’s BMX Freestyle Team performs for the crowd at the Beach Streets event Saturday, April 26, 2019 in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.Robert Castillo’s BMX Freestyle Team performs for the crowd at the Beach Streets event Saturday, April 26, 2019 in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.Mass Appeal performs for the crowd at the corner of Magnolia and Willow as part of the Beach Streets event Saturday, April 26, 2019 in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.Guests check out different vendors who lined the road on Willow Street as part of the Beach Streets event Saturday afternoon in Long Beach. Photo by Tracey Roman.
