LONGVIEW (KYTX) - The city of Longview is getting ready for one of its biggest events of the year - live music, food and plenty of art this weekend at AlleyFest. It's named for the alley where it started more than 30 years ago in downtown Longview. CBS 19's Abby Broyles takes us to the hot spot.
Organizers expect 10-12,000 people here this weekend, and street closures start happening tonight. It's all part of getting ready for the 34th annual AlleyFest in downtown Longview, kicking off Friday night.
For 34 years, Longview's AlleyFest has been the first weekend in June, but organizers say, not this year.
"Summers are getting hotter and hotter, and it was almost unbearable to come out here in 100 degree weather," Missy Saunders, with the Longview Chamber of Commerce, said.
The annual arts festival runs this Friday through Sunday, when local artists showcase their talent.
Barbara Walls has sold her art at AlleyFest for more than 30 years.
"I lived in Africa for a year, and I do a lot of African wildlife," Walls says, "it may be impressionistic, it may be realistic. If somebody is looking for art to decorate their homes, they don't have to go to Dallas and Houston, we've got good art here."
Downtown street closures for AlleyFest start Wednesday night. Fredonia Street is closed from Cotton to Tyler. Thursday, Tyler and Center streets will be closed. Methvin Street closes Friday.
And AlleyFest has gone mobile - you can navigate your way through the weekend right on your cell phone. On the mobile website, you can see the schedule and the list of performers this weekend. The "event map" will show you where the stage and vendors are, and the "parking" tab will show you where free parking is available and which streets are closed.
Organizers say bring your family to enjoy art and culture right here in Longview.
"You don't realize how many creative people are out there and what wonderful things Longview has to offer," Saunders said.
Artists will be setting up in Bank Alley all day Friday, and the gates open for AlleyFest at 6:30 Friday night.
The Alley Run is Saturday morning at 7:00. You can still sign up for the 5K and the 10K at Heritage Plaza Saturday at 6:00am.
For more information on all the activities this weekend, go to www.alleyfest.org
