Threats of rain didn’t scare Jacksonville residents away from stopping by Five Points for its Tenth Annual Spring Festival on Saturday, May 21.
Stress-relieving massages, an exciting silent auction and local vendors decorated Park Street throughout the evening, keeping rainy weather away from optimistic visitors.
The festival brought attention to promising businesses in the Five Points area as well as those from different areas around Jacksonville, such as Middleburg and the beaches. Although I visit the neighborhood at least once a month, the festival introduced me to unfamiliar businesses a few blocks from the intersection of Park, Lomax and Margaret Street.
Local musicians – from DigDog to Jesse Montoya – played original sets on the New Belgium Brewing Company’s stage as potential fans visited the various vendors. The music was the perfect playlist for an evening in Five Points, as it allowed visitors to enjoy a scaled-down concert or shop with meaningful songs on their minds.
Despite the event’s description on Facebook, I expected to see some of Jacksonville’s food trucks or at least more food vendors. Instead, visitors had to head indoors to a Five Points joint for a quick bite to eat, but the air conditioning offered a nice break from the sun’s harsh rays.
The New Belgium Brewing Company was one of the main sponsors of the festival and sponsored a silent auction and a raffle that focused on beer giveaways.
I am appreciative of the company’s sponsorship, because it supported Jacksonville’s downtown scene. But I was a bit annoyed at the constant reminder that I am not yet old enough to celebrate the freedom of drinking.
I plan on experiencing the excitement of Five Points during its Annual Spring Festival again in the future, but the neighborhood’s regular concerts and other events will suffice until I turn 21.
—
For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact managingeditor@unfspinnaker.com.
