The City of Greeley, Downtown Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado and WeldWalls Mural Festival are coming together to celebrate the completion of 16th Street construction with the inaugural Old
Campus Bear Bash Concert, kicking it off with a 16th Street ribbon cutting celebration. The free, public event will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, on the Green Lawn outside of Skinner Music Library overlooking 16th Street.
The evening will kick off at 4 p.m. with a performance from UNC’s marching band and cheer team, followed by remarks from the City of Greeley’s Mayor’s Office, the Public Works team and community leaders, with the official 16th Street ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. The celebration will feature a concert with an opening act (to be announced) before Denver-based power pop/indie rock band Neon The Bishop takes the stage to close out the night.
All four organizations are combining efforts to celebrate the businesses that held it down through construction, welcome the new UNC class to campus and show everyone what a good time on 16th Street looks and feels like. The celebration is a nod to the hard work of city staff, city council, the Public Works team, construction crews and every downtown business that made it through.
“For me, this celebration means making it through hard times and being able to celebrate and come out stronger in the end. I hope we can show both students and businesses how awesome our community and culture is here. I look forward to many more concerts on the green in the future,” says Daniela Hernandez, with Greeley’s Downtown Development Authority.
“The 16th Street Enhancement Project, funded by state grants and local funds, serves as a gateway to UNC campus and helps bridge the gap between UNC and downtown. This celebration of the project completion highlights how this beautiful street welcomes residents and visitors to what’s great about Greeley as we provide safe, effective ways for people to access school, shopping, work and play regardless of whether you are driving, taking the bus, walking or biking,” says Steven Younkin, deputy chief engineer for Greeley’s Public Works department.
Along with the ribbon cutting, 16th Street businesses will host event-only open house specials throughout the evening, giving attendees a reason to get out, explore the street and shop local. UNC’s University Program Council and partners will also run student engagement activities inside local businesses, connecting the incoming class with the downtown community right in their backyard.
The third annual WeldWalls Mural Festival runs the same week, with Friday night designated as their Art Night Out. Eight murals will be in progress along 16th Street, with artist talks, demonstrations and art for sale throughout the evening. Come back over the weekend to see the finished murals in all their glory.
The Bear Bash is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, visit greeleydowntown.com or follow downtown Greeley on social media.
