Street Fair fills Olympic Ave. with shoppers, vendors

Olympic Avenue in downtown Arlington was filled with homemade hot sauces, birdhouses, jewelry and other items as part of the annual Arlington Street Fair.

The event is put on by the Downtown Arlington Business Association (DABA). This year it was held from July 12 to 14.

“It is going fantastic. We have tons of visitors and everybody is real happy,” said Jeri Rugtvedt, DABA member and the main organizer for the event this year.

About 200 vendors came to the festival which was completely booked early this year.

“I think it’s really wonderful that a community of this size can get something this big going. It’s pretty impressive,” said Doug Golden, one of the attendees of this year’s Street Fair.

Rugtvedt said that many of the vendors enjoy being part of the event each year.

“We have a lot of returning vendors that have come back this year,” she said.

Items varied from books to art crafts to direct-sale items.

“I think people like the variety of vendors that are here,” said Rugtvedt.

“It’s really fun,” said attendee Chad Walker. “I like the variety.”

The Arlington Street Fair also fills the downtown with visitors who are coming to visit friends or family and shop through small local vendors.

“I haven’t been to Arlington before so this is fun,” said attendee Andi Zamora.

Rugtvedt said the event brings some tourism to the town every year.

“It’s definitely a good draw for the downtown area. They’re shopping at the booths here, but they’re also shopping in the businesses,” she said.

Bouncy houses and face painting were again available for the kids as part of the event.

“It’s super fun and it’s good for kids and families,” said attendee and local parent Haylie Lanto.

“I like that it is family friendly and there is a lot of opportunities for businesses,” she said.

Many people like the sense of community at the event.

“They come and they meet people down here. They can get together with their friends and family and have a grand time,” said Rugtvedt.

Rugtvedt enjoys engaging with the attendees and vendors who come to be part of the street fair.

“I get to meet so many different people and make new friendships. Some of the vendors have become my friends,” she said.

The Kornstalk festival also provided some entertainment at Legion Park for the event this year.

“When I’ve been there, there’s quite a few people that are sitting down and listening and having a good time,” said Rugtvedt.

The event helps fund DABA which puts on events like the Show and Shine Car Show and the Arlington Street Fair throughout the year.

More information on the local organization is available at arlingtonwa.org.