The Marcus Santos and Bloco band performing.

By Ashley Troutman

*
Join your community for music, dancing, and other family activities in the streets of East Somerville on July 25.  Head to the East Somerville Library at noon, where Mayor Curtatone and the Marcus Santos and Bloco samba Band will kick off the SomerStreets event with a parade.
Carlene Campbell, Somerville Director of Community Relations, said, “Bring your bike, running gear, noise makers, or even come in costume. We want to make this extremely festive.”
At the intersection of Temple Street and Broadway, participate in easel art, basil planting, or a bike valet. Four bands will play on stage at FossFest in Foss Park. Open Air Circus will demonstrate for the crowd, and craft vendors will display their work.
Grab a sundae from Louie’s Ice Cream, and head to the Main Street Stage for music, dance, and fitness demos. You can look forward to seeing salsa, zumba, capoeira, fencing, and The Emperor Norton Stationary Marching Band perform.
The event will feature several activities for kids including face painting, a drum circle, hopscotch, mural painting, Party Bike rides by Dutch Bicycle Company and much more.
Local businesses are offering specials and samples. Event coordinator Jenn Bliss said, “A lot of the business owners are excited to decorate their stores and be present that day. It’s a chance to show people what is available in their area as far as staying fit and having fun.”
SomerStreets is part of Somerville’s new Open Streets initiative. The goal of the initiative is to promote healthy living and community involvement. By closing off roads, people can run and walk safely, and events such as SomerStreets hope to unite neighborhoods and bring the community together.