It's Street Festival Time!

Join the Kelly Bell Band, Can't Hang, and other festival favorites at the SPRING BLOCK PARTY on Cross Street, Sunday, April 26, 11 am to 7 pm.

Volunteers are needed! Get a free T-shirt and front row seats to all the action. Interested? Call Jane at 410-727-4500.

Fest-of-All 2009: What a Party!

It was a great night last Saturday at Federal Hill's 2nd annual Fest-of-All. Thanks to our fabulous restaurants, taverns, boutiques, sponsors, and volunteers. We couldn't have done this without all of you!

Check out our photo album to see all the fun! (Photo above by Danielle Maggio.)

A Wonderful Night at Federal Hill's "Fest-of-All"

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon (second from right) was a surprise guest at Federal Hill Main Street's "Fest-of-All" gala on Saturday, March 14. Dixon congratulated (from left) Executive Director Jane Seebold, Board President AMY Grace, and Federal Hill Business Association President Sonny Morstein on receiving the 2009 Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Morstein was one of the founders of the Federal Hill Main Street Program. (Photo courtesy Randi Morstein)

More photos from Fest-of-All to come here and on the Main Street web site.

"Fest-of-All" Is Saturday Night -- Get Your Tickets!

Only a few days left before Federal Hill's big night out: the 2nd annual Fest-of-All party at the Museum of Industry on Key Highway.

You don't want to miss this party. It's got everything -- fabulous food, an open bar, fashion show, gaming, and a silent auction. See details in previous blog entries (below).

Tickets are available in person by stopping by the Main Street office at 42 E. Cross St. Questions? Call 410-727-4500.

The party starts at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there!

"Fest-of-All" Features -- Fashion, Federal Hill-Style

The Fashion Show at "Fest-of-All" is back! And, this year's is even bigger and better than last year's smashing success. More Federal Hill boutiques means more models, more fashions, more accessories, and more action on the runway.

Local fashionistas gathered on Sunday at the Baltimore Museum of Industry for a run-through before the big show on March 14. Federal Hill boutique owners discussed various fashion "looks" to highlight the wide variety of apparel and accessories, while models practiced strutting down the runway with flair.

Lisa Ponzoli (photo above) of "Babe. A Boutique" is coordinating the Fashion Show this year, with help from her fellow shop owners: Carrie of "Remember When," Julie of "Bottom Drawer," and Amy of "Amy's Boutique," to name just a few.

Don't miss this great display of Federal Hill fashion, just one of the features of the 2nd annual "Fest-of-All" party. Guests will also get free food and drink, gaming parlor, silent auction, dancing, and more.

Order your tickets today at http://www.fedhillfestofall.com/ or call us at 410-727-4500.

"Fest-of-All" Features -- The Open Bar

Federal Hill's annual "Fest-of-All" celebration on March 14 includes not only food, fashion, and music, but an extensive open bar. Many local taverns are supplying everything from signature specialty drinks to wine and beer -- all included in the $60 ticket (advance sale).

Porter's is providing a wine bar. Ryleigh's Oyster will be making their popular Orange Crushes. Noble's Bar & Grill will be offering Fireflies, and No Way Jose will be mixing Sangria. Also contributing to the full bar are Mad River, McFaul's, Mother's, Muggsy's, Stalking Horse.

Only a few days left to get the advance ticket discount. You can order tickets online or stop by Big Jim's Deli (Cross St. Market), Amy's Boutique (S. Charles), or the Funky Beehive (S. Charles). Hope to see you next Saturday night at the Museum of Industry!

"Fest-of-All" Update -- Look at this Menu!

Local restaurants and bakeries are offering a tantalizing menu at this year's "Fest-of-All" gala on March 14 at the Museum of Industry. Here's what you can expect -- oysters, sliders, sushi, Pad Thai tofu, chicken curry, "the best cheesesteaks south of Philly," crab soup, seafood pasta, meatballs, mini-pastries, cakes and assorted sweats.

Food for Federal Hill's premiere event is being supplied by: Abbey Burger Bistro, Brightons, Dee Dee Bakery, MaGerk's, Matsuri, Metropolitan, Mother's, Nick's Oyster Bar, Nobles Bar & Grill, Ropewalk, Ryleighs Oyster, Sobo Cafe, Tenzo: Art Within Pastry, Thai Arroy, and Trattoria Anna Maria.

Don't wait any to order your tickets: go online or call 410-727-4500.

Federal Hill Wins "Great American Main Street" Award at Chicago Meeting

CHICAGO -- On Monday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored the Federal Hill Main Street Program with its 2009 Great American Main Street Award at the opening session of the National Main Streets Conference (see photo). The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in revitalizing America’s historic and traditional main street commercial districts. The award winners were selected by a national jury.

Representing Federal Hill's program at the meeting were Board President AMY Grace, Executive Director Jane Seebold, Federal Hill Business Association President Sonny Morstein (a founder of the Federal Hill Main Street program), former Executive Director Bonnie Crockett, and volunteer Jeanine Turner.

Federal Hill Main Street was selected for exemplary achievement in strengthening its commercial district. Since the program’s inception in 2000, more than 85 new businesses have opened and stayed open in Federal Hill. This accomplishment, coupled with grant-funded redevelopment projects, corporate sponsorships, and matching façade grants for business renovation, has improved the look and the substance of the business district of the community. The program is credited with leveraging public and private funds for millions of dollars worth of investment in Federal Hill.

For more details on the 2009 award winners, visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation web site.