Philly Free Streets 2017

Philly Free Streets is a five hour party during which certain Philly Streets are open only to pedestrians, skateboarders and Bicyclists.  In its second year, on Saturday, October 28th, Philly Free Streets from Old City to North Philly were free of cars from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Pat, Sophia, Dan and I ventured out on the walk and what a walk it was.  In just 3.5 miles, we encountered a rich and diverse city.  The photo above was taken as we entered North Philly, the Latino neighborhood in Philly.  

During the trek we encountered a myriad of adventurers, including many Pokemon GO players. What is old is new again!  This year's Philly Free Streets Pokemon Go event included a tour of the PokéStops in Pokemon GO between Philadelphia’s Historic District and El Centro de Oro in the North Philadelphia neighborhood. The initiative aimed to encourage people to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods using the innovative augmented reality experience of the popular real-world game based on the well known Pokémon brand.  To entice participants, Philly Free Streets participants who visited PokéStops qualified to win a Pokémon GO poster.  They succeeded!  I think about a third of the participants were Pokemon GO players. Pictured below are Pokemon GO participants happily using their mobile devices during the trek.

All participants, however, were not participating in the Pokemon GO festivities.  Some roller-skated while dressed up.  

Some just rode their bikes and sight-saw.

Some played chess with their kids on a very large board.

Some even helped paint a new mural in North Philly!

Finally, what would a festival be without street performers?  Pictured below are three of my faves.  First, there is the very beautiful hula stilts lady.  Second, there is the Latino Dance Band.  Third, there were the Latino Band dancers teaching those of us with less than optimal dance skills the 'moves'.

We look forward to visiting Philly once again next year during its third Philly Free Streets Day.