By Melissa Wagoner
The Silverton Sidewalk Shindig, which will celebrate its 12th year on Oct. 7, is going to look a little bit different this year.
“The biggest, newest change is that we’re going to have the Music Mainstage at 217 Lewis Street – the old Your Break Tavern,” lead organizer, Sarah Weitzman, said. “And the information center will be at Town Square Park along with the kids’ activities.”
Kicking off at noon, the Shindig will feature over 45 bands on outdoor stages scattered throughout Silverton’s downtown.
“Over 50 percent are local,” Weitzman said. “And this year we have a good percentage of new bands.”
Including Glitz Krieg, a “glam heavy metal rock” band from Eugene.
“And then we do have some old favorites,” Weitzman continued, listing the Crying Omas and last year’s fan favorite, SCSB – a teen bluegrass band – as two of the year’s notable acts.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Shindig will also feature music from nearly every musical genre including country, rock, folk, Hawaiian and even Zimbabwean.
“It’s one of the funnest days of the year in Silverton,” Weitzman said.
“It’s something my family looks forward to every year,” fellow organizer Poppy Shell Wiegand added, “because the music is so diverse.”
Because each of the stages is located outdoors, the event is free and available to everyone. “It’s not in a bar,” organizer Emily Pawlak pointed out. “So, kids can come.”
And they do – whole families, with multiple generations, from across the state.
“The hotels were all booked up last year,” Pawlak said.
While organizers say, due to the nature of the event it is impossible to say precisely how many people have attended in the past, the group estimates the number to be somewhere around 3,000.
“Historically businesses tell us it’s the best day of the year,” Weitzman said.
Which comes as no surprise to planner Elizabeth Hess, who commented, “When you’re standing on the street it’s fabulous.”
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig
Downtown Silverton
Oct. 7 Kicking off at noon
Map and schedule available on Facebook and at Town Square Park
