Maumelle Boulevard now becomes the destination! On Saturday, Sept. 8, the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Maumelle Bash on the Boulevard.

Located at the Town Centre Shopping Center parking Lot at 115 Audubon Drive, the festival will begin at noon and continue to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival connects local businesses and residents in a fun and energetic atmosphere. It is sponsored by Fidelity Communications.

Situated directly on the boulevard, in the heart of Maumelle, this festival has something for everyone – local vendors, an art gallery, a free kids zone, a beer garden, a game day TV sporting area, a car showcase, puppy park, food trucks, local and regional entertainment, games and more.

Positioned in the middle of the festival, the Kids Being Kids Therapy Kid Zone will offer a free and engaging environment for kids. There will be a rock climbing wall, carnival rides, games, coloring activities, story time, face painting and prizes.

The Arkansas Outdoor Concepts Beer Garden will be set up on the east side of the parking lot and will feature local food trucks and adult beverages. Sports enthusiast will enjoy the Sonic of Maumelle Game Day Area, which will feature a 24-foot game day trailer provided by River City RV. This interactive RV boasts three big screen TVs, expandable viewing doors, a bar seating area and a satellite feed to view college football games.

There will be a perimeter fence around the entire “Bash on the Boulevard” for security purposes that will allow visitors to enjoy a festival beverage at all of the activities.

New this year is the Maumelle Art Gallery located in Suite 13 and 14 in the Town Centre Shopping Center. Sponsored by Brandon Moving & Storage, the gallery provides an indoor space for established and emerging artists to display their work. This is an opportunity for 15 artists to join the community in a collaborative effort to nurture the visual arts in this area. Specializing in paint, photography, woodworking, sculpture and pottery, these talented artists will showcase their works of art and offer live demonstrations. The gallery will be open for viewing during the Bash on the Boulevard, and will remain open every weeknight from 6 to 8 p.m. the following week.

Performances will begin on the McLarty Auto Group Main Stage beginning at noon and will include local dance studios, gymnastic teams, martial arts, cheer programs and fitness routines. Live music will fill the festival at 3:30 p.m., featuring local artist TJ Ashley and the Backroads Band. As night falls, the event lights up with the featured musical artist and local favorite Mayday by Midnight beginning at 6 p.m.

The festival is run almost exclusively by volunteers from the Maumelle area, including the services from the City of Maumelle parks and recreation, police and fire departments. Festival proceeds help to raise funds to support economic progress and promote entrepreneurship opportunities in the area. This is great event to get out and meet neighbors, visitors to the area, local businesses and the community.

For more information about the festival or to become a vendor, visit maumellechamber.com, call 501.851,9700 or email [email protected].