In Whitefish, “see you downtown” usually means somewhere on Central Avenue, most likely around the bar streets. But there’s another downtown in Whitefish. Walk two blocks over from Central into the historic railway district to find a vibrant, growing alternative downtown fast assuming its own identity—the Railway District. On Saturday, May 26, 2007, the Railway District steps out with its first Block Party.
Thrown by 21 of the district’s eclectic businesses that range from restaurants to retail, the free Block Party launches between Baker Avenue, O’Brien Avenue, Second Street, and Railway Street. It begins with kids’ activities at noon and ends at 7 p.m. with prizes and street dancing on Lupfer Avenue. “It was our daydream,” said Brooke Bohannon, co-owner with Maggie Eisenbarth of La Boheme Curio Shop. “We started talking to other Railway District businesses in February, and it just took off.”
For kids, the Bean Hive Café hosts a sing-a-long with Kids Music Melodies from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. From 2 – 4 p.m., Dan Jimmerson, a magical entertainer, strolls through the district and retail businesses performing magic. On the grass outside La Boheme Curio Shop, acoustic guitarist Katie Lynch sings from 2 – 3:30 p.m. The party culminates with dancing to the Latin romps of the 13-piece Cocinando at 5 p.m.
Prizes for this gig are no bargain basement cast offs, but a Cruiser bicycle donated by Great Northern Cycles and $120 gift certificate from MESH. Other prizes include dinners, gift baskets, and gift certificates. How do you win these goodies? Pick up a map of the participating businesses and visit 10 to get stamped; then drop your map with your name into the hat for the 6 p.m. drawing.