HEARD ON HURD

By Mallery Nagle

Have you heard Heard on Hurd has begun its seventh season?

Since its introduction in 2014, the popular street festival has transformed Broadway in downtown Edmond into a community block party eight times each year. The series made its 2020 debut in March.

The brain child of Citizens Bank of Edmond president Jill Castilla, Heard on Hurd attracted an average of 25,000 people each month in 2019, for a grand total of about 200,000 people celebrating all things Edmond. This is according to Rebekah Murphy, community engagement coordinator for Citizens Bank of Edmond, who manages the event each month.

“It’s a community-based

opportunity to bring everyone to the center of Edmond,” said Murphy. “It promotes all things local.”

Murphy pointed to the fact that there is something for everyone at each Heard on Hurd party. The festival includes local pop-up shops as well as the downtown merchants, local food trucks along with downtown eateries, local musical entertainment, and even a local non-profit agency is spotlighted each month. The family-friendly atmosphere even invites the dog to join in the fun.

Murphy, who enjoyed the festivities before joining the bank, said each event is a team effort staged by bank employees. “You don’t see the whole thing until you go behind the scenes,” she said, noting that 20-25

bank employee volunteers, along with their family members, keep the fun coming each month. This year, along with your favorite food trucks and pop-up shops, Murphy hopes to include The Railyard, a food court and the latest addition to downtown Edmond, in the festivities. Located on W. First Street across from Festival Market Place, The Railyard’s offerings include pizza, ice cream, tacos, Korean barbecue, chicken wings and a wine and cigar bar. She is also planning a return of last year’s popular art shows and film festival. These events take place in Vault 405, a bank-sponsored co-working venue and in the bank’s community lobby. Featuring local artists and film-makers, Murphy said the indoor activities offer a respite from the heat during the summer months.

“It adds a small town vibe,” she said. “You see your neighbors and your co-workers there. I’m excited to be part of it. It’s exciting what we can offer.”

For information on featured food trucks, pop-up shops and entertainment so you can plan your strategy ahead of time, visit the Heard on Hurd Facebook page.

Heard on Hurd runs from 6-10 p.m. This year’s events are planned for the third Saturday of the month, including:

• April 18 • May 16 • June 20 • July 18 • Aug. 15 • Sept. 19 • Oct. 17