July 2 marked the first – of hopefully many – Street Sense Community Picnics. Dozens of vendors attended and dozens more volunteers and downtown neighbors stopped by to say hello; eat some hotdogs, hamburgers and other tasty treats; and listen to some great music and fabulous poetry. Even Clarence Carter, the head of the Department of Human Services stopped by for some rousing debate.
Entertainment included vendor Greg Phillips performing his original new hit “Rockin’ for Street Sense,” whose catchy chorus: “Street Sense, one dollar. On the corner is where you hear me holler” stuck in everyone’s head for the rest of the day. Wonderful street musician violinist also performed some wonderful classical tunes for the crowd and vendor Richard Embden also gave his ode to Street Sense playing of a Stevie Wonder song. All in all it was a great success and everyone had a great time and really showed the community what Street Sense is all about. We would like to thank vendor Lawless Watson for MC-ing the festivities; Cafe Cantina for donating pizza; Au Bon Pain for donating ice; volunteers Roberta Haber, Annie Hill, Eugene Versluysen, and Swinitha Osuri for donating food and drink; interns Vanessa Voigt, Marcus Williams, Talia Roth and Liane Schmersahl for making food and helping with set up; and volunteer Lee Davis for taking pictures.
Vendor Greg Phillip jams to his soon-to-be famous hit song “Rockin’ for Street Sense. Photo by Lee Davis
