Porchfest Celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary!
Article Written By: Heather Briggs & Maria Cordova
One of the most fun and community-centric gatherings in Colorado Springs just turned 10 this month! Porchfest, which happens every September in the Patty Jewett neighborhood, kicked off once again on Sunday, September 13th, with porches turned into lively stages, food trucks lining neighborhood streets, full bike racks, and kids being pulled in wagons from one house to the next. The atmosphere was joyful and laid back, you could see neighbors spotting friends down the street and folks setting up chairs and blankets along the sidewalks and lawns to sit for a spell and listen to some tunes. It was pretty magical, and it makes one wonder how it got started.
We asked Amy Triandiflou to share the story, since she was instrumental in getting things going.
“Porchfest was inspired by two events that took place in Atlanta Georgia. The 9th Street Bluegrass Jam in Midtown Atlanta put novice and experienced musicians on a porch for an all day jam. The homeowner made chili and we all brought chairs and sides and took over the front lawn (and some of 9th St) to munch, mingle and move. Oakhurst, an intown Atlanta neighborhood, also launch its first Porchfest in 2015 with multiple bands on lots of porches for neighbors to enjoy throughout the day. It's still going strong!
While a group of moms and I were stuffing eggs for the Patty Jewett spring egg hunt, I brought up the idea and everyone was enthusiastic. We started asking small/local businesses for sponsorships and made it super affordable - $500, 250, 100. Colorado College was our 1st sponsor. We also had a GoFundMe page. Our budget was approximately 800-1000 the first year to pay for bands and two porta potties. We asked a few food trucks to join us. We closed our own streets after getting nervous about numbers, and now they get permits. We had no idea whether it would take. It took!”
Porchfest features three bands that play in succession on three different porches, spread down several blocks. The streets are closed down and most neighbors arrive on foot or bike. Local food trucks keep the crowd well-fed and refreshed and there are activities for kids. This year Hey Neighbor had some fun with temporary tattoos at our information tent where we hung out to connect with residents. The Patty Jewett neighbors have created a beautiful way to strengthen relationships through the simple joy of listening to music together. And while organizing and pulling off an event like this isn’t easy, they have a strong team, great sponsors, a replicable model, and the support of many. After ten years they are pros at creating a space where all are welcome and everyone has a good time.
If this inspires you as much as it does me, you can check out the Hey Neighbor Toolkits for ideas and guidance on where to begin when planning a neighborhood event. We rent barricades to Porchfest and numerous other community events around the city and can offer help with the permitting process for closing down the street. Our Community Coordinators love to brainstorm and help bring fun and creative gatherings to life.
Porchfest really is “the happiest block party in Colorado Springs” and it all started because a group of parents took an audacious chance on something new. Hey neighbors, way to go!
