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Community members and UNC students flooded to the stages Friday on 16th Street to rock out to local musical talent and enjoy the many attractions during the fourth annual Block Party.
There were five stages to host 43 bands along the closed off 16th street and part of Ninth Avenue for the main-stage performances.
Thousands of people made their way of the stages and the Artist's Block art sale on Eighth Avenue and 16th Street.
During the last few years, The Block Party has been a way to immerse students with the Greeley community, as well as help the local businesses along the streets.
The event has also received help from The Atlas Theater.
"We coordinate with UNC to figure out the first Friday when students come back to campus and invite them into the community," said Eric Long, a member of the Atlas Church, which helped promote the event. "We want them to get a rich college experience."
Long also said there was a lot of preparation put into the night of entertainment.
"We had to get every permit conceivable: one for serving alcohol, one to block the street, one for amplified music, as well as having to obey the noise ordinance and many more," he said. "The city was very cooperative."
Events like these create a lot of opportunities for everyone in the community, especially the musicians who recieve a lot of exposure to new fans.
"I've been teaching music at Frontier Academy (high school) for 10 years, and as a teacher, I feel it is my obligation to create opportunities like these to help out my students," Long said.
The shops on 16th Street stayed open late for the event, as well as provided specials. The chicken mascot from Randy's Chicken Coop, played by Leon Hernandez, danced on stage with the band In the Whale.
"I love coming out every year and seeing our local talent," said Chelsey Linclau, a senior acting and nursing major. "It makes me smile to know that Greeley works to foster the artistic environment."
Amber Holcomb, a sophomore business administration and criminal justice major, said she loved all the local bands that played live.
"The Block Party definitely brings UNC and Greeley together," said Leah Alstad, a junior human services major. "This is one event where we can all enjoy ourselves and the local talent shown."
The Block Party continues to grow every year. And with the help of the Atlas Theater congregation, 16th Street businesses will thrive for yet another year.
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