Will you lift your voice with us? Please follow (and share) this link to our IndieGoGo campaign, which just went live today. Heres why: Tucked in the northwest corner of Troy is a block once known as the Antiques District. From end to end, this lower section of River Street was lined with dealers of the finest examples of early-American, Victorian and mid-century artifacts and decor north of New York City. The atmosphere of the district matched the aesthetic of the shops; vintage, intelligent, and refined. Its the oldest neighborhood in Troy, and once the pre-industrial commercial center. In 1824, a gazetteer of the state echoed earlier accounts in calling River Street the mart of business. The districts development into a center for antique stores came about without any public effort or intent. As did the districts decline. The blocks of River Street between 1st and Congress Street lie dormant. Dotting the street scape are blank windows advertising storefront vacancies. The sidewalk is silent, pedestrians scarce. The biggest and best antiques retailer, Bournebrook - a massive anchor for this neighborhood located at 172 River Street - closed in 2010. We just ran out of time and gas,” said store owner Mike Davis. “We can’t keep operating at a deficit.” The closure was a tremendous blow to the district. The 20,000 square foot building sat empty until just recently with the opening of family-run venture Infinity Café. The community of business owners in this area have banded together to now make a very public effort to lift Lower River Street out of its depression. The intent is to re-introduce the people of Troy and their neighbors to a place of real magic, and to entice fresh creative entrepreneurs to move in and call River Street their home. Led by Susan Dunckel, proprietor of Sweet Sues at 203 River Street, a team of Troy partners will transform the district into Queen Mabs Enchanted City for the day of October 4, 2014. We need your help. The aim is two-fold - to provide a FREE day of outstanding family-friendly entertainment in an enchanted, historic setting, and to showcase the inspiring shops and restauranteurs that deserve a day of exceptional prosperity. A FREE festival requires funding! Thanks to hours and hours of planning volunteered by Troy native Zhenelle Falk, Queen Mabs Enchanted City is slated to be one of the most memorable and innovative events the area has seen. Live music by both local and national acts, classic puppet masterpieces performed by the Hudson Vagabond Puppets, a hilarious magic show by The Great Charlini, hands on creative and educational activities, and so much more. The money raised through this campaign goes directly into the pockets of the performers, all of whom were generous enough to reduce their fees in support of this community effort. Any amount we are able to raise will go toward the production and operation of the event. Thank you!
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 16:04:23 +0000
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