Lynchburg prepares to ‘Get!Downtown’

Downtown Lynchburg is celebrating its fourth annual Get!Downtown street festival, an opportunity for college students to come together and find out what downtown has to offer.

The free event starts Friday, Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg. Main Street will be closed to all traffic as college students and area residents visit the variety of stores, restaurants and vendors that line the street.
People will be able to watch live performances by local musicians, dancers and street performers.

“We estimate 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the 2011 event, many of whom were college students,” Get!Downtown coordinator Anna Bentson said. “Free Greater Lynchburg Transit Company buses will run from college campuses throughout the evening. Get!Downtown is a great opportunity to explore Downtown Lynchburg and meet students from all six local colleges. Buses will run to college campuses from downtown until 11 p.m.”

The festival attempts to provide an exciting opportunity for students to meet people from other local colleges while seeing everything that Downtown Lynchburg offers to the community. Take advantage of the various street vendors from downtown stores and restaurants, participate in some friendly competitions and games or just walk around with your friends and enjoy the festivities.

“This event is an incredible way to get the community together and build relationships while also learning about local businesses and organizations that people can support,” Liberty student Chelsea McCall said. “I see the community as the strongest attribute of Downtown Lynchburg. A majority of the people that live here know each other and see each other daily. The community market on Saturdays also brings people together to support the local economy as well as build relationships. I have attended the Get!Downtown festival for a few years now, and it is a great way to have fun while meeting new people.”

“There are some new additions to the street festival this year,” Bentson said. “Get!Downtown features restaurants and venues in Downtown Lynchburg that will host live music beginning at 9 p.m. Visit Dish, Bull Branch, Robin Alexander, White Hart or Speakertree to take part in the events.”

McCall especially likes the atmosphere of Downtown Lynchburg.

“Downtown has so much to offer, whether it is biking or walking along the James River or the beautiful Black Water Creek Trail,” McCall said. “It is absolutely stunning and relaxing. There are many local music shows and venues where people can get together and support local musicians as well as have a great time with friends.”