HillFest, a good time to meet your neighbors

This is the third year that Hillside residents have closed one of Duluth main traffic arteries in order to celebrate HillFest.

"We had warmer weather because we moved the date up," said Brianna Brewington, a member of the HillFest planning team, referring to the decision to move the event from September to August. "Every year you figure out new challenges. We also moved the stage to the intersection."

This year, residents celebrated HillFest on Sunday, Aug. 26. Brewington said the festival was aimed at adults and children who actually live in the Hillside.

"Parents don't necessarily take them to other festivals," said Brewington, noting that many people who live in the Hillside, including herself, do not have cars.

She said that the event also received more support from businesses this year than in previous years.

"The kids really dug the dunk-tank. And the Tofu Toss was a big hit," said Brewington. "I saw a lot of people from the Hillside. I liked it that it was all-inclusive. No one felt like they were outside of their social realm. They were all having a good time. [It's] a chance to get to talk to people you see in the Hillside all the time."

1/4: Playing basketball on the street was just one of many activities attendees enjoyed at HillFest. (Photo by Mike Guello)

2/4: Reyna Crow paints 4-year-old Latasaija Garner's face. (Photo by Gene McKeever)

3/4: HillFest attendees played an extra-large version of the board game Settlers of Catan, on Fourth Street between Whole Foods Co-op and Last Chance Liquor store. (Submitted photo)

4/4: Blair Moses and Archie Davis won the Tofu Toss contest sponsored by Whole Food Co-op. Proceeds from the event went to the Mind2Mind, a free youth-program for the residents of East Hillside and Endion neighborhoods. (Photo by Gene McKeever)