1 week Ago
On North Corona Street in the Patty Jewett neighborhood of Colorado Springs on Sunday, a sign on one porch promised free beer. On another, a band played familiar hits while couples danced in the food truck-lined street. For some, it was a chance to chat with longtime neighbors and meet new ones.
For others, it was an introduction to the Porchfest, an annual block party that has steadily grown since its 2016 inception. “We used to do the party from three different houses, all around the neighborhood,” said Chris Orsborn, president of the Patty Jewett Neighborhood Association. “Now that it has grown, we do it on one street.
” The block party, which alternates yearly between Corona, Royer and Franklin streets, featured three bands, 12 food trucks and plenty of activities for kids, including face painting and a mobile art vehicle from Colorado College. “It’s a great opportunity to meet people in the neighborhood,” said resident Luke O’Sadnick, who offered free beers from a keg on his porch. “It really brings out the community, which I enjoy.
” Many of the nearly 1,000 revelers were Patty Jewett residents, but the popular block party draws people from miles around. On Sunday, Corona Street was blocked off to vehicle traffic, but people showed up on bicycles or on foot to enjoy the festivities. “This is such a great event,” said first-timer Tanya Berry.
“I’ll definitely be back next year.” The event is free of charge, but organizers accept donations, Orsborn said. “We ask people to kind of pay it forward so that it stays free,” she said.
Some residents have expressed concern that the Porchfest has grown a bit too large, so the neighborhood association has tried to rein it in a little, Orsborn said. But turning people away would go against the spirit of the event. “Anyone is welcome,” Orsborn said.
“We don’t care where you’re from. We want you to come and have a good time.”.
