The buzz is beginning. No, it’s too early for the sound of bees. It’s the initial ramping up of promotions of Main Street Vineland’s spring and summer events. Subcommittees are starting to meet, the word is getting out on social media, and it’s time to start beating the drum. Three events initially come to mind and in chronological order, I’m giving you a preview, with more publicity to come.
• Millions of dollars’ worth of vintage and exotic cars will again line Landis Avenue as Cruise Down Memory Lane returns on Saturday, June 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. The rain date will be June 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. Main Street Vineland will be organizing this annual Vineland tradition, now in its 29th year, in cooperation with the Cruise Down Memory Lane Committee.
Thousands of people—classic car buffs and people just out to have some fun—all love this longtime Vineland tradition that brings back the days of muscle cars, chrome, and fins. We’re proud of this iconic event—going strong for over a quarter of a century and drawing people to Vineland from all over. Artisan and food vendor applications can be downloaded by going to the Main Street Vineland website: TheAve.biz.
• Next, we go from horsepower to foot power as our Running The Ave 5K returns on Sunday, June 28, rain or shine, starting at 9 a.m., on Landis Avenue. Hosted by Main Street Vineland and Second Capitol Running, Cumberland County’s premier summer road race is back. Spark your competitive spirit and see downtown Vineland from a new angle as you run through 3.1 miles of our beautiful streets and parks.
Awards will be given for the top three male and female overall finishers, as well as top three male and female in each age group. You can even go for Vineland’s Fastest Finisher. Represent your family, church, or job in the team challenge. We had 145 runners last year; we’re aiming to make this year’s run even bigger and better.
New this year is the Stroller Division and you can opt for this during registration (competitors in this division aren’t eligible for age-group awards).
• Plans are underway to bring Play Streets back to downtown Vineland for the third consecutive year. A collaboration between Main Street Vineland, Vineland Community Policing Unit, Cumberland County Positive Youth Development Coalition, and several civic and non-profit organizations, this event is being planned for Thursday, July 2, 9, 16, and 23 on Sixth Street, between Landis Avenue and Elmer Street. The activities will occur between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. That block will be closed to traffic on those days. A special “pop-up” Play Streets, taking this initiative to a downtown neighborhood, is being planned for Saturday, June 27, at Roberto Clemente Park, Seventh and Humbert streets. The first two years of Play Streets here were well-received, with large turnouts and Philadelphia television coverage.
Called “a playground in a box” Play Streets offers constructive outdoor play opportunities for youngsters while creating a family-friendly atmosphere on the streets. The program, organized here by the county’s Positive Youth Development Coalition, also occurs in Millville and Bridgeton, and has been successful in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles.
You’ll be reading a lot more about these and other upcoming events. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact us for more on how you can get involved.
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Reminder: We’re presenting a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Heritage Brass of the USAF Heritage of America Band this Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m., at the Landis Theater, 830 E. Landis Avenue. See page 20 for more information.
