Thanks to Fest-of-All Volunteers & Sponsors

Thanks to the many, many people who helped make our 4th Annual FEST-OF-ALL such a roaring (and sold out!) success at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on Saturday, Feb. 26. I hope everyone had as much fun as we did!

Fashion, Food and Fun with Fox 45

On Wednesday morning, Fox 45 Hometown Hot Spot reporter, Emily Gracey, joined Fest-of-All Fashion Show coordinator Jessica Atkins (center) and model Katie Destefano (left) to give a preview of what will be on the runway this Saturday night.

The TV crew did four live spots from Jessica's shop, Couture Closet, at 1003 Light Street. In addition to Katie (owner of Curiosity at 1033 S. Charles, above Whimsy), Barry Werner of Scarborough Fair Bed & Breakfast discussed the fine food that will be at Fest-of-All and members of the Baltimore Salsa Company performed a hot Latin dance.

The live broadcasts provided viewers with a preview of the fashion, food, entertainment, and fun that Fest-of-All has to offer. Don’t worry, if you missed the segments, visit the event website for more information!

Fest-of-All is this Saturday, February 26 7-11pm at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Don’t miss out on THE party of the season!

Don't Miss Fest-of-All's Great Silent Auction

Everyone knows about the great food & drink, live music, and Fashion Show at the 4th annual Fest-of-All gala, but don't forget about the fun and bargains of the huge silent auction!

Some of the great items this year include: Corks Cooking Class, Corks Wine Tasting, Day on the Bay (with a champagne brunch), one night stay at the Scarborough Fair Bed and Breakfast, a getaway to Lewes, Delaware, tickets to a Cirque de Soleil show and also a Ravens game!

Don't miss out on these great items and many more at Fest-of-All on February 26, 7-11pm at the Baltimore Museum of Industry!

If you have not already purchased your tickets or for more information, please visit the event website.

-By Meredith Cook intern

Spring Forward: Fest-of-All Fashion Show

Fest-of-All is quickly approaching, and the Fashion Show will leave you excited for warm spring days and new clothes. Amy's Boutique, Babe.(a boutique), Couture Closet, Seleh's De Federal Hill and Whimsy will display spring looks from their collection of fabulous clothing on the Fest-of-All runway. Complete with models, beautiful clothing and accessories, the Fashion Show is a must-see.

Coordinator Jessica Atkins of Couture Closet, with help from Lisa Ponzoli of Babe and other participating boutique owners, is planning a great show -- no one will be disappointed!

No fashion show is complete without accessories and beautiful hair styles and make-up for the models. Pandora's Box, Vanessa's Vintage Treasures, and Zelda Zen will be providing the perfect accessories for the apparel on display. M Salon is giving the models great hair and make-up, along with make-up artist Julia Schwemmer.

And, along with all this fashion fun, Fest-of-All offers great food & drink, live music, Latin dance performances, and a silent auction!

If you haven’t gotten tickets for Fest of All, order online at the Fest of All event site or call 202-727-4500.

-Meredith Cook

Dance the Night Away at Fest-of-All!

The entertainment at Fest-of-All will surely get you on to the dance floor. With popular cover band, The Real Geniuses, and Latin dance performances by the Baltimore Salsa Dance Company, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time.

The Real Geniuses' popularity has grown to make them a must-see band in the D.C./Baltimore region. Their set list contains lots of hits from the 80's, but they are no stranger to songs from the 50's through the 90's. With female and male vocalists and a fun set list, they are sure to get everyone up and dancing!

Along with live music from The Real Geniuses, will be an exotic Latin dance performance from the talented dancers at the Baltimore Salsa Dance Company. Tabitha Darby and Duane Lewis will perform the Meringue and a Salsa dance, and the Bachata will be performed by Isabell Triemer and Leo Vera.

This year's Fest-of-All is sure to entertain you throughout the night, and maybe even get you to finally try that Salsa dance you always wanted to try. Don't miss out!

Fest-of-All is February 26, 7-11pm at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Tickets are $60, ($75 at the door). If you haven't bought your tickets for Fest-of-All, visit the event website.

-Meredith Cook

Eat, Drink & Be Merry at Fest-of-All

The menu and open bar at this year's Fest-of-All is sure to have something for everyone! We are offering an array of appetizers, dinner items, desserts and drinks, from over 20 Federal Hill restaurants!

The dinner menu will include a sampling of everything Federal Hill including: cheesesteaks, chicken, seafood, sushi rolls, pasta, burgers and more! There will also be cupcakes and assorted desserts from Midnite Cupcakes and Scarborough Fair on the dessert table.

The open bar includes mixed drinks, Dark & Stormies from Rowhouse, Orange Crushes from Ryleigh's, and of course, wine and beer.

Along with great food and drink; a fashion show, live music & dance performance and a silent auction will make Fest-of-All a great time!

To buy tickets to Fest-of-All ($60 before, $75 at the door) visit the Fest-of-All website!

-By Meredith Cook, Intern

1111 Light Street Demolition Begins

Demolition of the former Epstein's Department Store on Light Street is progressing rapidly to make way for construction of the $30 million 1111 Light Street mixed use project. It was determined early in 2010 that the buildings occupying 1105-1117 Light Street and all of Weber Street had to be replaced because of major defects in existing structures. Much of the work was done brick by brick to avoid damage to adjacent buildings. The last portions of the facades along Light St. came down on Feb. 12 (see photo).

The new project will feature 6,000 square feet of retail space on Light Street and 22,000 square feet of office space on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, which will allow for many business development opportunities for Federal Hill. In addition to retail and office space, the complex will contain 93 luxury apartments. A parking garage, a roof deck offering views of the harbor and city, and a courtyard are just a few of the perks 1111 Light Street will have to offer.

As all parts of the project come together, there is a goal of 13 months for completion. Watch for marketing-related updates on the project’s web site.

-Meredith Cook, Intern

Federal Hill Main Street Votes Are In!

Federal Hill Main Street members voted in some new and familiar faces during the February 8th annual meeting. According to the by-laws, the 11-member Board includes three business directors, two resident directors, two at-large seats, and four committee chairs.

The four committee chairs are: Mike Schollaert (Business Development Committee), Mike Burton (Design Committee), Cathy Hammond (Organization Committee), and new to the board, Erin Hopkins (Promotions Committee).

Business Directors include: Dave Rather, Corey Robey and new to the team, Sonny Morstein, former president of the Federal Hill Business Association. Resident Directors include: Patrick Mutch and Cathy Strodel and At-Large Directors include: Christine Cochrum and Bill Romani.

Following the Board election was the voting of officers by the new Board members. Serving as officers are Patrick Mutch, President; Bill Romani, Vice President; Cathy Hammond, Secretary; and Corey Robey, Treasurer.

"I'm delighted to be part of Federal Hill Main Street," said Cathy Hammond. I moved to the peninsula 6 years ago because of the vibrant commercial district, the wonderful neighborhoods and the friendly people. I believe a truly great neighborhood needs all three parts to succeed, and Federal Hill Main Street is the organization that works to strengthen each of those components."

In conjunction with the election and annual meeting was a Volunteer Appreciation Party, a chance for Federal Hill Main Street to thank the hundreds of folks how volunteer their time in support of the program and special events, such as the street festivals.

Get involved in Federal Hill Main Street and help make a difference in the community! Membership is FREE, so there is no reason not to join; click here to become a member!

-Meredith Cook, Intern

Federal Hill's 2011 Festivals: Save the Dates!

Mark your calendars! Here is the schedule for our 3 annual festivals in the streets of historic Federal Hill. All of the festivals are on Sundays from 11am-7pm. Don't miss out on the great music, food, drinks, arts & crafts and fun!

-Spring Block Party: April 17

-Jazz & Blues, Wine & Art Festival: June 5

-Street Beat Festival: September 18