The Spire

Lizzie Swanson ’28

Staff Writer

This past Sunday, an electric crowd packed the center of Worcester Park Avenue as the streets filled with vibrant music, dance, and art. The stArt on the Street Festival was created in 2002, and this past event marked its final edition. First year students flocked to the festival, examining the various booths and performances hosted under the glaring sun. The Global Society cluster, made up of just under 200 Holy Cross freshmen, were invited to attend the event. This cluster works to examine various walks of life, many of which were evident in the diverse makeup of the stArt on the Street event.

Local booths sold a variety of items that included jewelry, clothing, pottery, stickers, and artwork of many styles. Familiar to Holy Cross students were several local food trucks that have also made an appearance on campus such as The Mac Daddy and The Dogfather. As the sun pounded down onto the busy street, people found solace under several white tents, showcasing various handcrafted items for sale. Many sat in the shade and listened to several local bands such as Party Band and Thee Sonomatics, enjoying the rich culture the event had showcased. Spirited music coursed through the festival as onlookers listened to rock & roll, alternative, jazz, Latin, instrumental, and many more genres of music.

First year students were able to roam the streets, investigating different cultures showcased throughout the booths. One of the larger events took place at the main entrance, greeting students as they made their way into the festival. A breakdancing display from 11:00am to 5:30pm attracted large audiences, stopping them in their tracks. Young girls from the New England Dance Center cheered on their teammates as they would perform solo for the crowd, feeding off the energy and excitement. 

What was especially noticeable, as people cased through the crowd was the strong feeling of community and support for the arts. Friendly vendors and customers happy to chat walked the streets, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those new to the Worcester area. From the handcrafted items to informational booths helping visitors maneuver the event, stArt on the Street was well managed and easy to navigate. When asked, freshmen said they were eager to attend similar events hosted in the Worcester area, especially as the summer comes to a close and the semester begins to pick up.

Montserrat students were also asked to visit the Elm Park Elementary School because of its elaborate murals lining the school grounds. Painted by a variety of artists in 2018, the sides of the school are covered in colorful and creative murals, many of which encourage students to have fun and to stay curious. By exploring the Worcester area, first year students were able to check out the variety of cultures that make up one of the largest cities in Massachusetts. Several more cluster events will take place over the course of the academic year which will center around broadening students’ horizons and introducing them to the diverse makeup of Worcester. 

Featured images courtesy of Lizzie Swanson ’28