Champaign StreetFest to serve food, music, entertainment and more

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — This Saturday marks the Champaign StreetFest: Downtown Throwdown. The event will feature a food competition, music, live entertainment, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities.

The StreetFest is put together by the City of Champaign and the Champaign Center Partnership. It will last from 2-9 p.m. on Walnut and Market Streets.

The second annual Downtown Throwdown Food Competition will involve hot dogs and pasta dishes from Big Grove Tavern, Esquire Lounge, Hamilton Walker’s, Martinelli’s Market: Bakery & Deli, Suzu’s Bakery and Tenkyu.

There will also be live music from local bands like Terminus Victor, Curb Service, and Modern Drugs. The Rebirth Brass Band, a Grammy-winning New Orleans band, will also take the Walnut Street stage.

CU Broad Comedy will be serving up laughs over on Market Street. Other entertainment spectacles include pole performances and lessons from Jessica Stern, Morgan Fox, and Mimi Nguyen, as well as fire dancing by Neonium, Jetto Gingersnaps, and Cecil Sparks.

A Kid Zone will provide face painting, giant bubbles, and balloon twisting to young attendees. Meanwhile, local artists and vendors will offer their creations throughout the event.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together for a day of celebration, great food, and amazing entertainment,” said Jenna Manolakes, Executive Director of the Champaign Center Partnership. “This event is a testament to the vibrant spirit of Champaign and the wonderful support of our local businesses and sponsors.”

For more information, visit the StreetFest website .

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