From pop and rock to funk and soul, the sweet sounds of the area’s best bands will fill the air for Maplewood’s 10^th Annual MayFest on Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Local favorites New Day Dawn, Felt and Five Cent Philosophers are among the headliners who will perform both original and cover songs from two stages on the Avenue. Other performers include 3^rd Gear, Ben Williams, MyMyndMocean, Super Chunky Extra Funky and Shakey Ground.

Noted local musician and music promoter John Williams worked with Springfield Avenue Partnership to present a MayFest lineup that showcases the diversity that makes the Avenue distinctive.

“The level of musicianship locally is extraordinary,” said Williams. “From families to young music enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s MayFest.”

Other MayFest highlights will include:

• a Classic Car Show,
• a petting zoo from Kafka Farms,
• pony rides,
• a kiddie train and inflatable rides,
• a balloon animal maker and
• lots of other fun activities for kids.

More than 125 vendors, artists, crafters and civic associations are expected to participate, along with great food representing the community that lives, works, shops and dines along Springfield Avenue. MayFest will also feature drawings for District Dollars gift certificates good at participating businesses and restaurants in the Springfield Avenue District. Diana Vitrano of the Springfield Avenue Partnership said that all the acts and vendors are on board — despite the postponement from last Sunday due to inclement weather.

A number of new businesses will also introduce themselves to the greater Maplewood community at MayFest — including Pizza Face, Kocafe and LaChaney's Dance and Music Academy.

Springfield Avenue will be closed to traffic between Indiana and Oberlin Streets throughout the event.

Entrance is free, with all day access to the rides, train, petting zoo and pony rides available for the purchase of a $5 wristband available on site.

MayFest sponsors include 74^th Spring LLC, Churrasco Steakhouse, Clawson Architects, Comcast, East Side Fitness, Eden Property Company, Fringe Salon, Hair Chalet, HK Foundation, Kocafe, Meineke Car Care Center, Noyes Foundation, Our Gang Travel, Overlook Hospital, Park Wood Diner, PSE&G, QuickChek, Ricciardi Bros., Verizon, Waste Management, Inc., and Woolley Fuel.