"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.

Save the Circulator Bus!

Fans of the downtown Circulator bus take note: the Circulator may be a candidate for the chopping block! Main Street has been told that there are some who feel the funds would be better spent in other ways, and are urging delay or deferral of the Circulator. (For more on the Circulator, see Jan. 7 blog entry.)

There is a briefing about this free transit system on Wednesday, March 4, at 2 pm in the Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall as part of the Land Use and Transportation Committee hearing, chaired by City Council Vice President Ed Reisinger. Supporters are urged to attend or fax a letter of support to Reisinger at 410-545-7353.

The buses are scheduled to hit the streets on July 6, including the north-south route servicing Federal Hill. The contract with the operator has been signed, and tax increases at parking garages to fund it have been approved.

2009 Street Festival Dates Announced

Back by popular demand: Federal Hill Main Street's three fun-filled street festivals. Mark your calendars now for ...
* Spring Block Party, Sunday, April 26, 11 am to 7 pm
* Jazz & Blues Festival, Sunday, June 28, 11 am to 7 pm
* Street Beat Festival, Sunday, Sept. 20, 11 am to 7 pm

Vendor forms and applications are now available at http://www.historicfederalhill.org/, (see "Important Documents"). Contact Federal Hill Main Street about sponsorships and other ways of becoming involved; call 410-727-4500.

"Fest-of-All" Food: Something for Everyone

The menu for Main Street's "Fest-of-All" at the Museum of Industry on March 14 offers a lot to sample and savor. Food items from many fine Federal Hill restaurants will be offered, and all included in the ticket price! To order tickets now, go online or call 410-727-4500.

Participating restaurants (so far) include Abbey Burger Bistro, MaGerk's Pub, Matsuri Japanese Restaurant, McFaul's, Metropolitan Coffeehouse and Wine Bar, Mother's Federal Hill Grille, Nick’s Oyster Bar, Nobles Bar & Grill, Ropewalk Tavern, Ryleigh's Oyster, SoBo Café, Spoons Coffeehouse, Stalking Horse, Thai Arroy Restaurant, Trattoria Annamaria.

And there will be desserts, too, from Dee Dee Bakery & Café, Tenzo: Art Within Pastry, and Brighton’s (Intercontinental Hotel).

Litter in Federal Hill: Can It!

It would be hard not to notice the new arrivals in our main business district: 30 heavy-duty new trash cans. This week, the Baltimore Main Streets program installed specially designed metal trash cans around our neighborhood, the area bounded by Montgomery, S. Charles, West, and Light streets. Now it's easier than ever to keep our streets litter-free!

Federal Main Street Annual Meeting & Election

All are invited to attend the Federal Hill Main Street Annual Meeting and Board of Directors election on Wednesday, February 11, 7 pm, at Ryleighs Oyster (upstairs), 36 E. Cross St., Baltimore.

Federal Hill Main Street members are eligible to vote, and the public is welcome to attend to learn more about this community revitalization program. For information, call 410-727-4500.