Petersburg block party = Happy shoppers, vendors, food trucks, parents, kids, pets

PETERSBURG — Did you drop by the "Summer Solstice" block party on Saturday? It was five hours of fun, food, shopping and fellowship.

"We shut the block down and brought back the old school block party vibes," Chaz Denise, House of Beverly Vintage Apparel owner, CEO said.

The event was held outside at Gillfield Baptist Church and inside the Cameron Building Gallery. Entertainment at the free event included music by DJ Mockingbird, giveaways, food trucks and a kids zone.

Sometimes, it pays to be an early bird. The first 50 guests received popsicles. Attendees had an opportunity to purchase fried fish, funnel cakes, lemonade, ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork barbecue and more.

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Over 20 vendors were present selling a variety of items like vintage and modern clothing, jewelry, skin and body care, crystals, homemade crafts and artwork.

"We brought the community out in a big way to celebrate with diverse and amazing vendors," Cameron Building Manager Howard Myers said.

The pop-up shop inside the gallery was bustling with activity. I spotted Rasheedah Farid out and about doing her thing: "Positively Promoting Petersburg."

Gillfield's Deacons' Ministry gave away hot dogs, chips, drinks and an enormous gift basket to one lucky person.

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"There is so much happening in Petersburg, today. I'm headed to the 'Regional STOP the Violence' event after this," Farid said. "Then, I'm coming back here for the mural unveiling."

During the "Summer Solstice" event, a mural was unveiled at ArtistSpace Lofts. Artist Georgia Net created it where 19-year-old Toni Knight was shot and killed on July 2 as she walked into the apartments.

View the mural honoring Knight at the entrance to ArtistSpace Lofts at 120 Perry St. in Petersburg adjacent to both the gallery at 325 Brown St. and the church at 209 Perry St.

"Summer Solstice" was sponsored by W Howard Myers Enterprises and presented by House of Beverly Vintage.

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— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg block party provided food, fun, fellowship, pop-up shop