The American Planning Association has made it official, Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia’s State Street was recognized as one of the Great Streets in their annual 15 Great Places in America list.
On Tuesday, October 16 beginning at 6PM local organizers are planning a celebration of that distinction on the 800 block of State Street. Bands from both Virginia and Tennessee High schools will be there along with cheerleaders from each school. The cheerleaders will be coordinating a line dance on the state line. Everyone is invited to come take part in the ‘line’ dance. Food trucks will be on site offering a wide variety of food and drink selections. A limited number of free t-shirts with the celebration logo will be available on a first come basis. Many local and state officials will be present along with representatives from the American Planning Association to share additional information on how State Street was recognized as only one of five streets in the country to be named a Great Street. Other cities who had streets named on the list were Fairbanks, Alaska; Ypsilanti, Michigan; Raleigh, NC; and Fort Worth, TX.
State Street is known for its walkable streets, short blocks and buildings that open onto the sidewalk. The street anchors the community and offers activities for all residents including free events and community spaces. Over 160 businesses are located on State Street and the street plays host to Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival which draws almost 50,000 each year. The designated area for the APA designation is from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Commonwealth Avenue in Bristol, Virginia and Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee.
For more information on the event contact Cherith Marshall Young at 423-989-5500 at Ext. 2082.
