Kicking off with “Carnaval” along East Broadway, SomerStreets promotes active living, reconnecting with city neighborhoods

The City of Somerville’s fourth annual SomerStreets series kicks off for summer 2013 with Carnaval @ SomerStreets on East Broadway on Sunday, June 2 from noon to 4 p.m. SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally-renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles, and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and other modes of activity. Through SomerStreets, the City and its community partners aim to promote and encourage easy access to physical activity, fresh foods, and reconnecting with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment. Carnaval on June 2 is produced through a partnership with East Somerville Main Streets, and its programming will extend along East Broadway from the intersection of Broadway and McGrath Highway to Pennsylvania Ave., including a motion parade at noon, live music on two stages, interactive urban agriculture displays, arts and crafts, food, and fun!

SomerStreets is an annual series that takes place one Sunday per month in the months of June through October. The 2013 events schedule is as follows:

• Sunday, June 2: Canaval @ SomerStreets. East Broadway (McGrath Highway to Pennsylvania Ave.)
• Sunday, July 28: Seize the Summer @ SomerStreets. Highland Ave. (Walnut Street to Cedar Street)
• Sunday, August 18: location TBD due to construction on Shore Drive
• Sunday, September 8: Going Green on Route 16 Alewife Brook Parkway (Broadway to Dilboy Stadium)
• Sunday, October 20: Monster MashedUp @ SomerStreets. Somerville Ave. (Union Square to Elm St.)

“SomerStreets has quickly become one of our city’s most anticipated annual series, drawing an average of 5,000 people at each of the five events, and we look forward to continuing to expand on our new tradition,” said Mayor Curtatone. “Through these unique events, we celebrate our neighborhoods, squares and business districts by removing, for one day, a dependency on motor vehicles and allowing residents to enjoy these neighborhoods on foot and bicycle, exploring all that they have to offer in new and different ways while also supporting physical activity. In particular, the kickoff Carnaval never disappoints, and this year we have new and exciting programming to introduce, so I look forward to seeing everyone on June 2.”

“East Broadway is on the verge of a major transformation, and through Carnaval this year; residents will really get a firsthand look at the exciting changes coming to East Somerville, while celebrating its unique culture and flair. This has been a tremendous event since its inception, and it’s something I look forward to every June. I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year,” said Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi.

“We are thrilled to be co-hosting the 4th annual Carnaval @ SomerStreets to kick off the SomerStreets series,” said Carrie Dancy, Executive Director of East Somerville Main Streets. “We are bringing back many favorites, like Marcus Santos and Bloco, Teen Empowerment, Canival San Miguel, and introducing new flavors with Opposite People, an 11 piece funk band, OnStage Dance with Dance demos and much more! This has really become a special day for East Somerville, a day where connections are built and people show their East ‘ville Pride.”

This year ESMS has added an extra spin to the event, adding three events to help prepare for the day. Last month, an instrument-making session was held at Maya Sol for the parade, and coming up on May 21 and 28, join ESMS at the East Branch Library, 5-7pm to decorate thrones and backdrops for the big day, and to make giant flowers for the Motion Parade.

SomerStreets builds on the city’s Shape Up Somerville initiative by promoting active living, providing easier access to healthy foods, and encouraging collaboration among all community members and organizations.

All SomerStreets events run from 12-4 p.m., rain or shine. For more information on how to participate, visit www.somervillema.gov.