CreekFest promotes local art and environment

NORTHWEST HOUSTON — The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local arts organizations, businesses and environmental groups to put on CreekFest, a new community-centered festival Oct. 8. “The reason CreekFest was developed is because we now have some tremendous amenities in our community, and it was about time we showed them off,” said Barbara Thomason, president of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce. The festival, which is free to the public, allows attendees to learn more about local art, culture and environmental causes. “It seemed appropriate that we created an event to put the spotlight on the arts and the out-of-door amenities,” Thomason said. “We hope [everyone that comes] gets an appreciation of their community.” Art events include an art stroll, which will highlight local art galleries, such as the Purple Elephant Gallery; outdoor chalk painting; a hip-hop dance crew at the Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment; and a free family museum day at the Pearl Fincher Museum. A featured piece of art is a six-foot-tall shoe sculpture painted by the Purple Elephant Gallery. Festival attendees will be able to paint a second shoe sculpture throughout the day. The Barbara Bush Library is also participating in the festival events. The library will host a “book walk,” a game in which more than 40 free books will be given away to participants throughout they day. “We participate a lot with our fellow members in the cultural district here, so it was natural [that we participate in CreekFest],” said Nancy Agafitei, branch librarian. “There is so much going on at this festival… and lots of it is free. One of the things I’m looking forward to seeing is chalk art.” Outdoor-themed events include a 5-K urban adventure run, which is suitable for all ages, and a paddle day along the Cypress Creek greenway. In addition to all of the activities, local restaurants and food trucks will offer refreshments throughout the day, and there will be a raffle with the proceeds going to benefit the Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Children’s Clinic. “[The festival features] efforts that citizens have taken on and furthered,” Thomason said. “I’m hoping everyone comes out, has fun and sees some interesting entertainment.” CreekFest will take place Oct. 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in the Cypress Creek Cultural District, which is located on Cypresswood Drive between Stuebner Airline Drive and North Greenfield in Spring. Registration for the Urban Adventure Run begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Visit www.creekfesthouston.com for more information. Source : impactnews.com/northwest-houston © 2005 - 2011 JG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Community Impact Newspaper