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Easthampton Sidewalk Strut spotlights local artists; Porchfest plans new neighborhood captains for Oct. 3
Summary
Organizers at Easthampton's Sidewalk Strut said 95% of event funds will go to artists, described how sidewalks are being activated instead of closing streets, and previewed Porchfest on Oct. 3 with a new neighborhood-captain volunteer role.
COTTAGE STREET, EASHTAMPTON — Organizers and local business owners on Cottage Street described Saturday's Sidewalk Strut as a low‑impact way to highlight artists and bring customers into storefronts, saying most event money is being routed to creators rather than overhead.
Jeff Mastrioni, a reporter on site, introduced the coverage. An East Hampton City Arts representative said, “95% of the funds being spent are going directly to artists,” and emphasized showcasing local handmade goods, musicians and floating sculptures on the pond. The representative said the approach lets organizers "activate existing city infrastructure without having to close the street."
The format follows a pause in larger street festivals after several organizing groups opted to take a year off; organizers described the Strut and recurring boardwalk "beats" as ways to keep spring events alive while limiting disruption to traffic and businesses. Porchfest organizers on site said they have doubled the number of performers and venues over the event's run and are planning further growth this year.
Organizers also outlined a new volunteer role they are calling "neighborhood captains," intended to serve as a single point of contact for each neighborhood to help with issues before and during events. Porchfest was announced for Oct. 3; organizers said they are still finalizing details and not yet making further formal announcements.
Local businesses are participating with on-site programming. Rizza Marquis, co‑owner of Bouquets of the Valley, said the shop ran a staghorn-fern mount workshop earlier in the day and that participants would make flower crowns to wear during the Strut.
Jeff Mastrioni introduced Councilor Felice Jacek among the group of organizers; Jacek was named on camera but did not speak on the record during the segment.
The segment focused on community activation, artist payments and volunteer recruitment; organizers did not present any formal motions, votes or regulatory changes during the coverage.
