The seventh annual Summerfest in Campustown will be held tomorrow from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M. Lots of activities will be held in the 200 block of Welch Avenue, including a petting zoo, face painting, portrait studio and root beer garden from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. Live music/beer garden is from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M. Damon Dotson will perform from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M. and CTRL C will perform from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M.

Karin Chitty, the executive director of Campustown Action Association, said that Summerfest is great to bring in residents that don’t come to Campustown on a regular basis, so they can see what Campustown offers to Ames and surrounding communities.

“It’s also a chance to promote Campustown’s business. it’s another way to get our name out there and to encourage people to come and take the advantage of great things here,” said Chitty.

The entire event is free for the public and that there is no charge for any of the activities, made possible by a granted given by The Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau. Individual featured activities are sponsored by particular businesses.

“We will have three different face painters, and airbrush tattoo artists, petting zoo. The balloon lady comes, and should have balloon animals,” said Chitty. Other crafts offered will help keep kids entertain, including cookie decorating, button making and popped bubble art.

Chitty also said that besides Damon Dotson and CTRL C, other residents will play music at the event. Patricia Izbicki, a Ph.D student at Iowa State University and classical pianist, will play the new piano in Campustown Court, which will be unveiled at Summerfest as part of the Ames Public Piano Project. 

Among the many activities offered throughout the day, a new member of the Campustown Action Association will be hosting some fun and hopefully educational activities as well.

“The Ames Historical Society is a new member of Campustown Action Association,” said Chitty. “I think they will bring some costumes, some old fashioned stuff that people can sort of dress up in and take some pictures. Kids can also check out some of the artifacts, so it would be a really fun addition.”