The Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce’ annual Day in Downtown street festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 27 with a retooled event that will be more exciting and packed with activities than ever! Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street in historic Downtown Fuquay, the Chamber has hired graphic designer Deanna Grant to create a brand new logo for the event. The logo, shown here, shows the varied character of Fuquay-Varina, with its blend of agricultural roots and downtown vibe. The circle shape is symbolic of the unique cycle of life and activity in our community, and the typeface is taken directly from the Chamber’s logo. The greens, oranges, reds and yellows give the logo life and color in direct contrast to the wonderful logo the festival has used for the last nine years ~ providing enough difference to catch the eye of our residents.
Also this year, the arts andcrafts will be juried and separated from the business booths to create a festival with activities in all ends of the downtown area. Art vendors are currently being sought to display their wares for local residents just in time for holiday shopping. Interested artists must provide samples of their work to be considered for this festival, but the pricing is right and the timing is perfect for local shoppers.
The Kids Kourt area will be much improved, with an art project booth run by the Cary Creative Center, and wandering entertainers such as jugglers, magicians, and clowns. The Kids Kourt will still include the train, the bounce houses, carnival games, and the climbing wall. All of these activities are free and are sponsored by John Hiester Chevrolet, Sheetz, and Relationship Church.
Food vendors will be located in more than one place this year, and there will be two stages for entertainment – one in the Vance Street parking lot for dance and martial arts demonstrations, and one in the Raleigh Street parking lot for local bands playing original music (like an open mic program). The Chamber is currently looking for performers who can provide original acoustic performances in 15 or 30-minute time slots. The “Bier Garten” will again be located adjacent to the Raleigh Street parking lot, with tents and seating provided for patrons of the food vendors located along Raleigh Street. Local restaurants located in the Fuquay retail district will be open and ready to serve festival-goers as well.
The festival will kick off this year with an informal parade of classic cars down Main Street at 9:45 a.m. as the Fuquay Cruisers arrive and get parked for the day. The Fuquay-Varina Revitalization Association also invites cooks with a favorite chili recipe to enter a Chili Cook-Off contest to vie for one or more sought-after awards. Those not competing are welcome to sample the entries for a small fee.
Vendor applications are available online at www.fuquay-varina.com or by calling the Chamber office at (919) 552-4947. This year, there are separate applications for artists and businesses. Interested applicants should choose the one that best suits their product.
Check out the Chamber’s website (www.fuquay-varina.com) for new information on contests and activities as it develops and ways that you can participate. For more information, contact the Chamber at (919) 552-4947.
The Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, voluntary non-profit organization of businesses and professional people dedicated to improving the economic environment of our community and fostering the development of business growth and prosperity. Through regular networking events, access to business resources, cooperative advertising, and a variety of dynamic community partnerships, the Chamber serves a robust membership of more than 450 businesses. Fuquay-Varina encompasses two thriving historic downtown centers affording access to a wealth of product, services and amenities, For more information about the Chamber, its activities, or how to establish your own business or home in our community, contact the Chamber by calling 919-552-4947 or visiting us online at www.fuquay-varina.com.







