Denver Neighborhoods – Old South Gaylord Festival

For the last 32 years, the residents, merchants and aficionados of the Old South Gaylord Street shopping district have hosted a Memorial Day Festival.  Located on the 1000 block of South Gaylord between Tennessee and Mississippi, the festival is seen as the official start to the summer season.  It is only fitting that this quaint pocket of Denver throw off the winter duds and commence with warm breezes, BBQ and outdoor music. 

The popularity of the Wash Park neighborhood has grown exponentially in the last 20 years.  The extraordinary houses that call the streets surrounding Washington Park are highly prized in the Denver real estate market.  As the one hundred year old Denver Squares, Craftsman and Victorians are renewed by savvy homeowners, the old “Main Street” of South Gaylord has been brought back to life.

Established in 1924, the South Gaylord shopping district is one of Denver‘s oldest and was the heart of the growing Wash Park neighborhood.  Originally a Denver street car turnaround, the small district supplied all of life’s necessities to the residents.  There was the butcher, a baker , (not a candlestick maker), a grocery, pharmacy, and even a candy store.  The street would be the place to exchange news, celebrate and come together as a young community.  In 1926, the area welcomed a movie theater, a barber and a radio repairman.  Through the 1940′s and 1950′s, the revered Denver shopping district was given an infrastructural face-lift, incorporating better sidewalks and street lighting.  It is in this era that and more boutique style retail moved onto the bustling blocks.

As with all of Denver‘s neighborhoods that call the city center home, the decline in the 1970′s and 1980′s were a challenge of epic proportions.  While most newcomers were beguiled by the suburbs, the small “Mom and Pop” areas of the city fell into disrepair.  Now the high quality of living and nostalgia has pulled the Washington Park neighborhood from the brink.  The old neighborhood is hip again, the houses are snatched up, and the community spirit is stronger than ever.

The 2011 Old South Gaylord Street Memorial Day Weekend Festival is sure to be one of the most lively on record.  Featuring seventy artists and merchants, eighteen bands (including Hazel Miller), and a wide selection of cuisine and libations, the weekend will be sure to satisfy the masses.  Though there is no admission charge, be sure to have cash on hand for unique art, crafts, and other tasty treats.

The kiddos will have entertainment as well, including the “World’s Largest Pinball Machine”, a bungee trampoline, climbing wall, and a giant slide.

The dates for this year’s Old South Gaylord Street Memorial Day Weekend Festival are May 28th, 29th, and 30th.  Hours are 10-4 Saturday and Sunday and 10-8 on Monday.