For one night only, Baltimore Avenue will be lined up with a motley group of trademark West Philadelphia vendors. Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. tonight, passersby can try samples of goods and services ranging from craft beers to Ethiopian cheesesteaks to preview theatre tickets starting at just $1.
The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll — which occurs at least once a year — will be hosting more than 30 businesses between the 4300 and 5100 blocks. Although it is known for its ethnic bites, this year the Dollar Stroll will include more non-food-related vendors like Redcap’s Corner, a tabletop gaming store that will be selling trading cards, and Gush Gallery, which will be hosting a raffle. It also gives crowds the opportunity to experience two public space projects: UCD Parklets and #LoopedIn. In addition, this will be the first Dollar Stroll featuring music from the Philadelphia-based indie radio station, Y-Not Radio.
The Dollar Strolls were started in 2010 by the University City District working with a committee of businesses and stakeholders. The goal was to showcase Baltimore Avenue and its goods and services to the neighborhood and surrounding Philadelphians.
UCD’s Director of Marketing and Communications Lori Klein Brennan, said that the Strolls have been extremely successful in achieving this purpose. They typically attract several thousand people from all over Philadelphia, and the district has seen an increase in participation over the years. In fact, the district originally only planned for one Dollar Stroll this year in June, but decided to organize a second by popular demand.
“They do a really great job of bringing the community together and bringing the businesses together. It’s a good time,” Brennan said.
Emily Dorn, owner of the craft store VIX Emporium, has participated in the Dollar Strolls since their inception. She enjoys the vibrant festival atmosphere of the Dollar Strolls and the opportunity to meet new people. Dorn said that the Dollar Strolls have also allowed her to expand her client base. “I would be a fool not to take advantage of it,” she said.
Pamela Thornton, owner of the bakery Pound Cake Heaven, will be partaking in her second Dollar Stroll. Her first time around, Thornton said that “the overwhelming crowd was very supportive.” She plans to use the Dollar Stroll as an opportunity to introduce new deals and products, like her “cake in a cup.”
Beyond the savvy steals, the Strolls provide students in particular an opportunity to meet new people and get a taste of life in Philly. Dorn calls it “the perfect college event.”
“The goal is to let [people] know that they don’t have to travel far to reach great restaurants, neat shops and a vibrant commercial corridor,” Brennan said. “It’s all in their backyard.”
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