FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS of a famous activity in a Columbian town, Missoulians shut down a main street on Sunday, got out of their cars and enjoyed a street carnival.
For the third time in as many years, downtown's Higgins Avenue became closed to cars for Sunday Street Missoula. Downtown became ultra pedestrian friendly as Higgins Street was turned into a venue for adults and children. Seven blocks of Higgins became crowded with walkers and cyclists taking advantage of the event.
Along with chalk drawing, gymnastics and massive tug of war contests, the kids were treated to ice cream or took advantage of lessons to learn how to properly ride a bicycle.
Adults drank coffee, received massages, window shopped and enjoyed leisurely strolls down the middle of the street. Nearby skateboarders attempted tricks and jumps while cyclists tried their hand at some bike polo.
Vendors created a carnival feeling to downtown by setting up tents along the street to protect their wares from the rain that never arrived.
According to a Missoulian article, the event is modeled after a similar event in Ciclovia, Columbia. There an estimated 72 miles of roads are closed every Sunday. In Missoula, the event is intended to promote biking, walking, and public health and space.
Missoula's event is being greeted with much support. An estimated 6,000 people attended last year's Sunday's Street Carnival.
The event certainly puts a different spin on the familiar downtown area.
Those taking advantage of the event said downtown Missoula took on an entirely different feel without the cars. “It’s relaxing not dodging cars in a city,” Sophia Kircos was quoted in the Missoulian. "I wish it was always like this."
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