A crowd estimated at more than 5,000 people enjoyed great music, delicious foods, and cold beverages on a hot and sunny Father’s Day in South Arlington on June 17. The free outdoor event transformed two blocks of S. Walter Reed Drive, just north of Columbia Pike, into a fun and lively party zone. Music fans packed the seating area near the stage, families enjoyed picnics on the lawn, kids played on jumbo inflatables and got their faces painted, while Rincome Thai, Big Daddy’s BBQ, Amira Mediterranean, and Salvo’s Pizza Pantry served up delectable dishes, and diners of all ages tried to save room for ice cream, funnel cakes and other treats. Civic groups dispensed information, vendors showed off their arts and crafts and other products, and many attendees took advantage of the shopping opportunity. County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson and Vice Chair Walter Tejada were both on hand to greet the crowd and enjoy the festivities. Ferguson said the event is "a perfect example of how Arlington provides world-class entertainment while celebrating its diverse neighborhoods."
Over the years, the Columbia Pike Blues Festival has brought a wide array of traditional and contemporary blues talent to local fans. This year SMOKIN’ JOE KUBEK AND BNOIS KING led an impressive line-up that included Memphis Gold, Ernie Hawkins, Karl Stoll & the Dangerzone, and Columbia Pike’s homegrown band, the CURBFEELERS.
The Blues Festival is an annual event presented by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO). This year’s premier sponsors were Arlington County Commuter Services’ PikeRide, Silverwood Associates, Inc., and the Washington Forrest Foundation. Additional support was received from BB&T, Fillmore Garden Apartments, E.G. Reinsch Apartment Communities, AA Locksmith Service, DSF Group, Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, Buck & Associates, Columbia Pike Plaza, Clark Ventures, Sheraton National Hotel, and the Arlington Cinema ’N’ Drafthouse.
Have comments or ideas about how the Blues Festival can be made even better? Please email Jim Whittaker at jwhittaker@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776.
