Taking to the street for Arlington's birthday bash

Even a newcomer like Jane Haist knows that Arlington's long, rich history is worth celebrating.

"The small-town atmosphere makes Arlington unique," said Haist, who opened Janiak's Unique Shoes on Medford Street last summer. "My daughter thought it would be the perfect place to open a shoe store, and she was right. We got such a warm welcome from the community, and it hasn't stopped."

Housed in a brick building across the street from the Regent Theatre, Janiak's will hold its first anniversary in August. This weekend, however, Haist will join the rest of the town in saluting Arlington's bicentenary. Since last fall, the Arlington 200 Committee has offered a variety of recreational activities to commemorate the town's incorporation in 1807, including a parade, a a series of historical talks, and free orchestral concerts.

Janiak's will get its slice of bicentennial bash this Saturday at the Medford Street Fair, which Haist helped coordinate.

"We wanted to bring attention to Medford Street because we're a side street right off of Mass. Ave.," she said. "We also wanted to participate in the birthday party."

Presenting the best of Medford Street, the fair combines music, food, entertainment, and local retailers in a smorgasbord of small-town merriment. Along with a sidewalk sale, Janiak's will feature face painting and a hula-hoop contest. Haist hopes the fair signals a comeback for other spots like Medford Street, where she is often reminded of Mister Rogers's wonderful days in the neighborhood, she said.

"I want people to remember there are main streets in America that are cozy, comfortable, and fun," said Haist. "For a long time, everyone was going to the mall to do their shopping, but now we're seeing a return of the main streets in America. People are getting sick of the mall."

The fair is the first major initiative by the Arlington Center Business Association, which consists of the Regent Theatre, La Ladybug Boutique, Book Rack, European Hair, Leader Bank, and Inside/Pink Dolly, as well as Janiak's.

The Medford Street business with the deepest roots in Arlington is the Regent Theatre, which will celebrate its 91st anniversary this year. For this weekend's fair, the Regent will provide a multitude of entertainers, with rock 'n' roll reigning supreme.

A free street performance will offer excerpts from the Regent's newest act, "A Night at the Rock Opera," which opens its eight-date run today. Cast members will unplug in order to showcase acoustic and a cappella versions of the otherwise electric guitar hits, like David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

"Medford Street is a wide street with not a lot of cross streets, so in effect it's a nice, open area perfect for a big festival or street fair," said Leland Stein, the Regent's director of marketing and promotion.

There's even enough room to host a team of jugglers from a group called the Airborne Comedians, who juggle flaming torches and electric guitars in addition to other unlikely objects.

For a more classic flavor, the Regent will also exhibit scenes from previously staged performances, such as "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" and "Sleeping Beauty."

Of course, the Medford Street Fair is only one of many ingredients in the bicentennial festivities. With a population of approximately 42,000, the town has a lot to shout about this weekend.

"We knew several years ago we wanted to celebrate Arlington becoming an incorporated town," said Roly Chaput, the Arlington 200 Committee's cochairman.

A year in a half in the making, Arlington 200's plans will reach their pinnacle tomorrow on Arlington's official birthday. Residents of the town, which was incorporated as West Cambridge in 1807 and renamed in 1867 after Arlington National Cemetery to honor Civil War veterans, will come together at Spy Pond Field to blow out the candles on the birthday cake. The Philharmonic Society of Arlington will present a free concert at 7 p.m., followed by cake and fireworks at 8.

"Folks here in town are rather proud of their community and where we sit in the world," said Chaput, who has lived in Arlington since 1965. "It was well worth the work, and now it's time to celebrate."

Medford Street Fair
Medford Street, Arlington
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free
arlington200.org, 781-859-9967