Rain or shine, thousands of Phoenicians came out to visit the 2010 M7 Street Fair! Awarded with the honor of “Best Neighborhood Street Festival” by the Phoenix New Times in 2009, the 9th Annual Melrose on 7th Street Fair was full of fun, family, and community! Starting on 7th Avenue and Indian School everyone walked down the street filled with a local market of artists, food, children's activities, live music, street performers, and a collectible car show. Walking down the street I spotted Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona, Kathy Cano-Marillo, the “Crafty Chica” and local celebrity Brad Perry performing live music in front of Two Hippies Breakfast Joint. I tried so hard to resist the mouth watering smell of kettle corn, lemonade, and pulled pork sandwiches. I finally had to give in and at least try some lemonade! The over cast sky did not fool us, it was windy and warm!

Bookmans was on hand to provide free tote bag decorating to anyone who wanted to stop by and hang out. And boy did they! So many people wanted to decorate at times during the day hat we had a line waiting! The creativity was overflowing as we saw original works of art, play on words, and unique “stencilmanship”! Everyone was able to share their love of reading, recycling, and artistry with the employees of Bookmans while we created our unique tote bags! Thank you to the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association for providing this safe community based event that not only provided tons of fun, but promotes the idea of shopping local. Check out our Flickr page for more photos!