Every year since 2007, people from all over Ithaca have come down to the usually quiet neighborhood of Fall Creek to listen to great local bands, dance, and mingle with their neighbors. This year was the tenth annual Porchfest in Ithaca and it was bigger and better than ever, with more bands, more people, and more street art. There were 185 local artists, allowing for huge variety in genre and spirit. There were upbeat rock ‘n’ roll bands just porches away from slow and folksy ones. Some were big names of the region, like the Gunpoets, while others seemed more impromptu and free-spirited.
Fall Creek’s energy, usually mellow and quiet, lit up for the day. Each street was filled with something new to see and there’s a different sound every corner you turn. Porchfest isn’t limited to front porches; people set up to play in parks, front lawns, and even in the middle of the street! Not only is the music great, but the recent addition of food trucks to the truly special Ithacan event brought equally enjoyable refreshments. Popcorn, lemonade, and cookie vendors also made their way through the crowds or set up in yards to sell their snacks.
Growing up in Fall Creek, I have had the opportunity to see Porchfest after Porchfest unfold. It’s such a personal event in that one is able to walk around with their friends, neighbors, and family, or even see them perform alongside other familiar faces. Each year has been different and never lacking in excitement. According to porchfest.org, there are over 60 cities in the U.S. and Canada that host similar events, but it all started here, in our very own town. As usual, Ithaca has proved to be an innovative and creative trendsetter.
Though every Porchfest is different, some things will always stay the same. I always love seeing the streets crowded with people with dogs and their little kids running around. You can tell that the kids and the animals enjoy Porchfest as much as everyone else. You get to see kids dancing and playing during the festivities, bringing back memories of when I would do the same thing. The streets are blocked off by crowds of people, roadblocks, or bands playing in the middle of the street, allowing for a fun and safe environment. I’ve learned that you can never expect what will come out of any Porchfest. Each year has a personality of its own, and this year there were several moments that made the festival unique. An especially interesting moment from the weekend was seeing two women going porch-to-porch performing interpretive dances. Another major highlight from this year was getting to listen to music from the Gunpoets’ newest album, Bombs Away. Porchfest is a great opportunity for groups to perform their new music and gives people unique experiences every year.
Porchfest serves as a conclusion to a summer full of fun, free music events, like the CFCU Summer Concert Series on the Commons and Saturdays at Taughannock Park. It wraps the carefree nature of an Ithacan summer into one last Sunday, serving as the final hurrah before locals go into hibernation.