Open Streets Franklin Avenue was a great success this year as many businesses, organizations and vendors participated in this popular celebration that transforms busy commercial corridors into safe, car-free streets for a day. Here are some photo highlights of the August 16th event from the Seward half of East Franklin Avenue (click on the photos to enlarge):

Soberfish Thai Restaurant staff

Steve Bialon of Prime Meridian Acupuncture

ArtiCulture Volunteers

ArtiCulture’s hand made items

Chalk art at ArtiCulture booth

Wells Fargo games

Grand Opening of Co-op Creamery Café featuring hotdogs, free ice cream and prizes.

(L to R) Seward Co-op’s Education & Outreach Coordinator Abby Rogosheske, Board Member Mary Alice Smalls, and Seward intern Makeda Toure.

Cadillac Kolstad entertains on wheels!

Mon Petit Cheri Bakery

Music sponsored by Hoffman Guitars

Encore Upholstery Studio provides a respite

Yoga – a break from the action

K’ul Chocolate recently opened in the old Movement Arts building

Madalin demonstrates red at Welna II Hardware & Paint

Probably got his paint at Welna!

Blue Nile offers its Ethiopian specialties

Solcana Crossfit photo op!

Many thanks to the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition and other event sponsors, all the volunteers, and our community partners from the Franklin Area Business Association, Ventura Village and the Phillips community. A special thanks to Deborah Ervin for all her hard work as the SCCA Open Streets Outreach Coordinator!

Open Streets Minneapolis is an initiative of the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition supported by the City of Minneapolis, and presented by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Center for Prevention. You can read more about them, and their other seven events this summer, here.