Retro street party set to rock Bradford’s Ward 4 on 24th August

Dust off your dancing shoes, grab some neon leg warmers and headbands, then get ready to pound the pavement as the third annual Summerlyn Retro Street Party returns to Bradford’s Ward 4 this summer.

Thanks to the efforts of organizers Street Party Collective and sponsors, the stretch of Blue Dasher Boulevard between Empire Drive and Sundragon Trail is set to transform into an all-ages party celebrating the ’80s and ’90s on Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m. August.

Performances are planned to include magician Scott Dietrich, singer Kayla, classic rock from Feedback, the return of Canadian club artist Joée – possibly with another special musical guest to be revealed at a later date – as well as local artists The Cara Lea Band, known for rock, pop and old favourites.

Guests can also look forward to face painting; games for kids; appearances by local firefighters and police; ice cream, snacks and soft drinks from vendors; plus a raffle with “crazy prizes,” according to Ward 4 Coun., at-large member and event MC Joseph Giordano.

“Every day we get more and more people jumping on board,” he said. “Everybody wants to participate.”

Giordano called the event a “beautiful partnership” to support both local businesses and the community, with last year’s star performer Joée eager to return this year.

The councilor’s band The Dadbods are set to return in a new evolution called Feedback, performing 80s rock and dance tunes, and the line-up now includes local Frank Batista.

“I’m really excited to play because I think this band we have is really well formed and sounds fantastic,” Giordano said.

As the street party grew in popularity and its reputation as family fun spread, the board member said he’s heard from residents who have started scheduling their summer vacations differently to make sure they can attend.

“I’m excited for a lot of people to experience this for the first time who haven’t been able to make it in the last couple of years,” he said.

As a street party in a residential area, the focus is hyperlocal, with admission free but limited to residents and residents’ guests of Ward 4, which includes the Summerlyn, Dreamfields and National Homes neighborhoods, with the ward stretching from Holland Street West, north to the 9 line and from Professor Day Drive west to the 10 Sideroad.

Organizers expect to have 1,500 wristbands available, and eligible households are allowed to reserve seven at a time to ensure everyone in the area has a chance to participate and the option to bring family and friends.

Organizers are asking guests to make a donation, which will be collected for the Helping Hand Food Bank, and along with support from sponsors, the collective once again plans to team up with Peter Reali of Reali’s No Frills to make a wholesale purchase to “maximize ” the contribution.

It’s difficult to say whether this year will top last year’s donation of $15,450 in canned goods, as Giordano noted that “everyone is struggling financially.”

“The goal is to bring the community together; the bonus is how we can help other people in the community,” he said. “The goal is just to do the best we can as a neighborhood.”

Organizers are also looking for both youth and adult volunteers to help with the event.

“A lot of the high school kids get involved and do a great job helping out,” Giordano said. “They can hang out and have fun all day and they have their classes.”

The event is expected to take place rain or shine, and while organizers are hoping for Mother Nature’s help, crews and patrons alike proved their resolve after a storm and tornado warning failed to alter this year’s party last.

Portable restrooms and hand-washing stations are planned to be available, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, water bottles, sunscreen and anything else they might need for the outdoor event.

Parking is planned to be available for 24 hours on both sides of the Blue Dasher close to the event, but guests are encouraged to walk if they can.

For more information or to book tickets, visit the event website. Those who want to volunteer can email (email protected).

Event sponsors include:

• Executive Sponsor: Bradford Wolves
• Stage sponsors: Rose Real Estate Team, Union FC
• Performing Sponsors: Si2 Investigations, National Houses, Dependent Dignity
• So are many local community sponsors