Hullabaloo hits Bend Neighborhood

Jonatha Brooke headlines NorthWest Crossing Hullabaloo Street Festival.

By Alandra Johnson / The Bulletin

Published: June 25. 2010 4:00AM PST

The NorthWest Crossing Hullabaloo should offer plenty of fun for family members of all ages when it kicks off this afternoon. The one-day festival includes plenty of family-friendly activities.

Valerie Yost, marketing manager for NorthWest Crossing, said having the festival take place entirely on one afternoon and evening gives the event a fun and different kind of feel.

One part of Hullabaloo is the Kids' Crit, which starts at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 12 and younger are invited to participate in this street bike race through the NorthWest Crossing neighborhood. Last year, more than 200 children signed up to participate in the free race, according to Yost.

The racers are divided up by age group. The younger racers have to perform fewer laps than the older bikers. Every child receives free ice cream and prizes are awarded for the top three finishers in each category. Kids have to bring a helmet and must register in advance at Umpqua Bank's location in NorthWest Crossing by noon today.

"It's really fun and a little bit crazy and chaotic," said Yost, of the kids' race.

The fun race is the first event of Hullabaloo and will only last about 30 minutes.

At 4:30 p.m., the adult bike race, NWX Criterium begins, and is expected to attract a couple hundred participants. The races - also through the neighborhood streets - will last until about 9 p.m.

The festival also features plenty of vendors and a food court.

At 4 p.m., the kid zone opens. It has been expanded since last year's event, and will include three or four bounce houses as well as face painting, stilt walkers, giant puppets, a rock wall, candy samples and more.

The other big attraction of the festival is the music. Todd Haaby and Sola Via perform a mix of world music from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke will close the festival with her rock, pop and folk blend. Yost says organizers were very happy to get a "huge name" like Brooke.

Hullabaloo will take place along NorthWest Crossing Drive, east of Mt. Washington Drive. Parking is available along the street or at High Lakes Elementary School or Summit High School.

Alandra Johnson can be reached at 541-617-7860 or at ajohnson@bendbulletin.com.