Bridgeport Summer Kickoff will launch the season in style. From the live music of “Eighties Enough” and the antics of emcee Dr. Mark Povroznik to the popular beach ball drop and car cruise-in, it promises to be a fun time for area families.
Plenty of food truck favorites will be on hand, as will inflatables and other summertime activities. With this year being the 250th birthday of the US, the event incorporates a patriotic theme.
It’s all happening 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, on Main Street, Bridgeport.
Make sure to upload the Visit Bridgeport App from your app store.
Find “Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival” in the Events tab for a full schedule of events and attraction locations.
Back by popular demand is the Big Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest, sponsored by Dave’s Famous T&L Hot Dogs. Registration is still open for participants who want to compete for the grand prize of $500 by eating the most hot dogs – with buns – in 10 minutes. (Details HERE.)
New to this year’s kickoff are the Jeep Duckie Scavenger Hunt, Dunking Booth sponsored by Bridgeport Kiwanis/BHS Key Club and an ‘80s Workout Session.
Povroznik shared details about the duck hunt.
“There will be a total of 225 hidden – some outside and some inside businesses,” he said.
Since the items are collectible, some may be challenging to find.
The dunking booth will be located at Bridgeport Fire Department and you’re likely to recognize some of the “dunkees.” There will be a QR code displayed for those who would like to make a monetary donation to the BHS Key Club.
Local fitness instructor Cynthia Campbell will lead the workout session.
“It will be an ‘80s dance aerobic workout held during the 6 p.m. ‘Eighties Enough’ set,” she said. “Some of the songs we’ll be doing are ‘I Want to Dance with Somebody,’ and ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me.’
The moves incorporated into the classic, “Maniac,” might be familiar and all are sure to be a blast to the past, Campbell said.
“Be ready to have some fun and work out to some of your favorite ‘80’s tunes,” she said.
This year’s attractions will include an art exhibit featuring the talent of Bridgeport elementry students. The exhibit will be housed in the Allstate Insurance building (formerly My Little Cupcake, Hempworks.)
From the stage at the corner of Main Street and Center Street, Povroznik will incorporate costume changes as he emcees various activities. He will host a trivia contest for families, each who will receive a participation prize. The winner will walk away with a summer-themed basket including beach towels and several daytime passes to Bridgeport City Pool.
The young dancers of Studio 9 Dance Academy will perform near the stage, followed by students of ATA Martial Arts.
Food trucks confirmed for May 30 are Slush & Slice Co., Heavenly Hoagies, Kettle Pop & Company, South Texas BBQ, Lunch Box, Mister Crab, Hanlan’s Meat Market, Almost Heaven Kona Ice, Sweet P’s, Dish D Design, Wonder Bubble, and East of Chicago Pizza..jpg)
Car show enthusiasts will enjoy the array of shined up vehicles that will be lined up on Main Street. Displayed collector and vintage vehicles will enter via Newton Avenue (across from Bridgeport Post Office) and Orchard Street and must be parked and in place prior to the 5 p.m. festival start. Because Main Street will be closed to motorists during the event, cars will need to remain at the event until its 8 p.m. conclusion.
In addition to bounce houses, the Kids’ Zone at Benedum Civic Center will feature the Quantum Trackless Train and a DJ spinning kid-friendly tunes.
Packard Landscape Co. will host a flower planting station in the front yard of the Benedum Civic Center. Kids are welcome to stop by and plant a flower to take home.
In various locations west of the Lloyd Lang Bridge will be local vocalists/musicians Ben DeFazio, LeRoy & Giggs and Lauren Starkey.
ABB member businesses will host tents offering summer activities. There will also be tents hosted by non-profit organizations. The giant sandbox will again be located between About You Monograms and Expressions Hair Salon. Sponsors for this year’s Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival are Fiest Financial, East of Chicago Pizza, Rominger Dental, Kaufman Realty & Auctions, WVU Medicine, and the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Center.
While enjoying the kickoff of the summer season, attendees can give back. Kaufman Realty & Auctions is partnering with the ABB for a foo drive to benefit Shepherd’s Corner. Food items can be dropped off at the KRA tent between About You Monograms and the Lloyd Lang Bridge.
Main Street traffic will shut down between Virginia Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue around 4:45 p.m. and reopen shortly after 8 p.m. During that time, traffic will be rerouted along Virginia and Philadelphia avenues.