FAYETTEVILLE -- For Big Still River, the annual Block Street Block Party is keeping Fayetteville funky.
"[The party] is a community event up and down the street," said Daniel Bennett, who plays guitar for the bluegrass quartet. "No stage is going to disappoint."
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To keep up with the annual Block Street Block Party and local businesses on Block Avenue, visit the event’s website at www.blockstreetbusi….
Big Still River was one of about 50 acts to perform Sunday for the sixth annual Block Party, which drew 10,000 people last year. Big Still River played a two-hour set for a capacity crowd gathered at Tables & Ale.
"I don't care what anyone says, the Block Party is the coolest shindig in town," Bennett told the crowd between songs.
Several people in the audience danced alongside the music and those who couldn't get inside shimmied down the sidewalk or twirled in the street. The music started at noon and lasted until dark.
"That's what we want, engagement," Bennett said. "Block Street is holding down the funky. If you get out of earshot of one stage, you don't have to walk far to find another."
The party started as a way to promote the local businesses on Block Avenue, but has since grown to include beer gardens, family activities and live music. This year's party spanned Block Avenue from Dickson Street to Mountain Street, with several vendors setting up booths in the nooks and crannies just off Block Avenue.
New to this year's party was a Mobile Zip Line brought up from Little Rock by Country Club Entertainment. Standing roughly 30 feet high, the zip line carried riders 100 feet down Center Street before dismounting near the Old Post Office.
Country Club Entertainment also provided a giant inflatable chair and an obstacle course for kids, according to Kevin Rieman, operations manager. Rieman, who said the company usually caters to company events or private parties, praised the size and scope of the Block Party.
"It's nice. Everyone's friendly," Rieman said.
Cadynce and Milly Seidell were two of the first -- and youngest -- riders to brave the zip line. Both took two trips down Center Street.
But Milly bucked the notion that leaping from the top of the tower was scary, calling the ride "exciting." She added the ride wasn't high enough.
The Scott Family Amazeum also made its debut at this year's Block Party.
Located in Bentonville, the Amazeum hopes participating in local events like the Block Party will expose the rest of Northwest Arkansas to its mission, said Dana Engelbert, marketing manager at the Amazeum.
"This is a great way to help families explore their creativity and imaginations," Engelbert said. "We want to engage with them."
Alongside Engelbert, the Amazeum brought two play facilitators and an program educator to the Block Party. Hundreds of kids stopped by the Amazeum's tent to built a "roller coaster sculpture," Engelbert said.
Several youngsters added to the sculpture, which Engelbert said the activity allowed for creative expression and collaboration.
Engelbert called the Block Party an "amazing" opportunity for the Amazeum interaction with the region.
"Not everyone can make it (to Bentonville)," Engelbert said. "(The Block Party) is a great event and we had a ton of fun."
NW News on 05/23/2016