When Downtown Sanford’s annual fall celebration kicks off on October 11, it will do so with a new name, hours, and footprint, and an exciting new attraction.

City leaders held the first Downtown Sanford StreetFest & Fireworks in 2017 to celebrate the completed downtown streetscaping project. Organizers decided fireworks would be a great way to end the event, as, at the time, there were no fireworks in the city – and definitely none in downtown.

A lot has changed since then, points out Kelli Laudate, executive director of Downtown Sanford, Inc. and festival planning chair. “Now our residents can see fireworks in Sanford every July 4th, so we felt it was time to make adjustments to better suit the festival of today,” she says.

For starters, the name and logo. The festival is now the Downtown Sanford StreetFest with a new logo that showcases the downtown skyline. “The story of this festival is ‘love where you live,’ and this is the heart of it all,” Laudate says. “Everyone already refers to the festival as StreetFest, so dropping the fireworks part was a natural step.”

Without needing the evening to launch the fireworks, the festival hours could shorten. Rather than an all-day event, StreetFest will now run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “The longer day was always difficult for planning and logistics, and taxing on the vendors and exhibitors,” says Kelly Miller, public information officer for the City of Sanford. “We can offer a higher quality experience for everyone this way.”

Fireworks may be out, but the festival is still focused on unique experiences. “We are thrilled to bring a Ferris wheel downtown for the first time ever,” Laudate shares. “It will be in the Carthage Street parking lot where participants can ride for free.”

The planning committee is narrowing the physical scope of the festival to make it more walkable and to reduce street closures. “This year, Moore and Wicker streets will remain open all day,” Miller says. “All our vendors, food trucks, performances, and activities will take place on Steele Street, Carthage Street, and St. Clair Court – making it easy for attendees to see and do it all.”

The Downtown Sanford StreetFest planning committee will hold an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Second Stage, located in front of Temple Theatre at 120 Carthage Street. Local talent will perform at the stage from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Main Stage will be located on Steele Street at Wicker Street and will open at 11 a.m. with the Peace & Love Party Band. The 70s Kids will take the stage at 1 p.m. and headliner The Breakfast Club, known for playing 80s hits, will start at 3 p.m.

Festival favorite LatinoFest will return. This year, Hispanic and Latino vendors and exhibitors will be located on St. Clair Court from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. “We are excited to partner with NC Radio to fill the Fiesta Stage,” says Yanira Scott, executive director of El Refugio and planning chair for LatinoFest. As in years past, attendees can bring a photo of a loved one to add to an ofrenda that will be on display at the Lee County Library.

Along with music and performances, the streets will be packed with food trucks, craft vendors, children’s activities, and even a new Party Spot with activities for the young adult crowd. Downtown restaurants and shops will be open on their regular schedules. A free trolley will circulate the festival all day.

View the Downtown Sanford StreetFest schedule, maps, entertainment, food truck and vendor lists, and more at www.sanfordstreetfest.com. Stay updated with the festival on social media at @sanfordstreetfest.

Sign up to volunteer at the festival here. Volunteers will receive a complimentary Downtown Sanford StreetFest t-shirt.

For text updates specific to the festival, including schedule reminders and emergency information, text StreetFest to 38276.