The Vernon Cultural District and the New England Motorcycle Museum are hosting a special event to help raise funds for a series of summer events in downtown Vernon called "Meet on the Street."
The fundraiser is from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the New England Motorcycle Museum, 200 West Main St., Rockville.
You can peruse the museum's mindboggling collection of motorcycles while enjoying a beverage from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck and help support the campaign to fund Meet on the Street.
The Vernon Cultural District Advisory Board is working to build and support a vibrant art and culture community in Vernon, and to encourage a sense of place in Vernon’s downtown.
“Arts and cultural activities are already abundant here in Vernon and our vision is to bring them together in one place for a series of summer events you will never forget,” said Annie Geitner, a board member. “Our hope is that these festivals will provide a one-of-a-kind place for everyone to meet up to enjoy live music, eat delicious foods, experience the talents of local artists, and learn about small businesses and non-profits, all the while engaging and connecting with your community.”
To help fund the Meet on the Street festivals the Vernon Cultural District Advisory Board launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the program. Funds raised will be matched by Sustainable CT and will help pay for the three planned festivals. To contribute, visit this link: www.patronicity.com/streetfest
Donations can also be mailed to Planning Department, 14 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066. Please write “Streetfest” in the memo line of your check.
Details are still being worked out, but events would be on a week night in May, June and July. Sponsorships are also available. For sponsorship information contact vernonculturaldistrict@gmail.com.
“Think food trucks, an eating area, a stage with musicians and vendors such as artists, crafters, local groups and businesses,” Geitner said. “Our goal is a vibrant community event where people can enjoy music, art and good food.”
The Vernon Cultural District received state designation in August 2025. It encompasses much of downtown Vernon and includes a variety of cultural assets, including the New England Civil War Museum, the New England Motorcycle Museum, Henry Park, historic structures, and the planned performing art space in the former Vernon senior center on Park Place. Cultural District Advisory Board members have worked hard for several years to obtained the state designation and are now focused on fulfilling their charge, which includes incorporating arts and culture into the daily lives of Vernon residents.