The University District Chamber of Commerce held Seattle’s first modern street fair on May 23 and 24, 1970. First known as the ‘U District Sidewalk Fair’, the event closed The Ave to traffic from NE 50th Street to NE 41st Street and was largely produced by volunteers. Over the course of the weekend, 50,000 people visited stalls and tents set up by 300 vendors and artists. The event was officially opened by Mayor Wes Uhlman and featured an ambitious arts-focused agenda that included art shows all over the neighborhood, from a photo exhibit at a community bank, to an Art Mart at the University Bookstore, as well as an art masters’ thesis show at the Henry Art Gallery. The festival also featured continuous music throughout the weekend, including dance performances from around the world and bands playing everything from chamber music to bluegrass and jazz.
Thank you U District Street Fair for an opportunity!! We had a blast !! Kaur ShubChintan Avani Desai
