A little celebration that started 28 years ago was too much fun to stay small for long. Now a highlight on summer calendars throughout the region, Portsmouth's Market Square Day, this year on Saturday, June 11, draws up to 80,000 people annually while striving to retain its authentic flavor as a celebration of local arts, business and culture.

"If you went to Market Square Day 10 years ago and you went last year, it looked very different. That was done with intent. We have fewer booths, more room, a more user-friendly festival, an easier-to-navigate downtown. This is the third year of making sure it feels better for people, that it feels like Portsmouth and the Seacoast," says Barbara Massar, director of Pro Portsmouth, the nonprofit organization that puts on this event as well as Children's Day and New Year's Portsmouth.

In addition to closing several blocks in the heart of downtown to auto traffic and opening up the streets to pedestrians, activities and vendors, three stages will offer dancing and music entertainment all day long. For history buffs, the event kicks off with a downtown walking tour on Friday night. For more than 1,200 runners, the highlight will be the 10K road race; for the second year, Pro Portsmouth will donate proceeds from the race to two selected community organizations, the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center and the North Church Restoration Fund.

the Market Square Day logo

Artists from the Seacoast and surrounding communities submitted close to 50 designs on this year's theme of peace, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty. The winning logo was created by Chuck McLean, a graphic designer who co-owns and operates Timberline Signs in North Hampton.

parking

Squeezing 80,000 people into downtown would not be possible without shuttle buses. If you're coming into town from the west, take advantage of the free parking at Pease Air Terminal on Exeter Avenue in the Tradeport. If you're coming in from the north, try the Bethel Assembly of God parking lot on Market Street. Visitors from the south might try the Liberty Mutual parking lot on Borthwick Ave. COAST Transportation will make a continuous loop approximately every 20 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dropping off passengers downtown on Russell Street, across from the Sheraton Harborside. The cost is 50 cents per ride (exact change only).

For more information on any Market Square Day events or services, contact the Pro Portsmouth office at 603-436-3988 or visit www.proportsmouth.org.

Market Square Day 2005
entertainment schedule

Friday, June 10
North Church/Market Square, 6 p.m.:
Joan Chawziuk leads a walk through historic downtown Portsmouth, revealing interesting and fun facts. The walk is sponsored by Chinburg Builders.

Saturday, June 11
Daniel Street Stage

11-11:45 a.m.: Inkas Wasi, featuring the traditional music of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia
12:15-1 p.m.: Skamasutra, a ska-swing band out of Exeter
1:30-2:30 p.m.: American Flyer bluegrass
3-4 p.m.: Kulu, celebration of West African-style drumming

The North Church Stage
10-10:45 a.m. Seacoast Civic Dance Company offers a high-energy dance performance of excerpts from their new production, "Magic in The Streets."
11:15-11:45 a.m.: Ballet New England performing ballet, modern, tap and hip-hop dance
12:15-1:15 p.m.: Salt River Trio - Mike Rogers, Bev Rogers and Lee Hosack perform original and traditional music in a folk/blues style.
1:45-2:45 p.m.: Carol Coronis plays traditional and original Middle Eastern music on the cittern.
3:15-4:15 p.m.: Larry Simon & Groove Bacteria perform jazz with a rock and R&B influence.

Pleasant Street Stage
10-10:45 a.m.: TBA
11:15-noon: The Whatnot returns with their blend of upbeat acoustic pop rock.
12:30-1:15 p.m.: State Street Rhythm & Blues Band, soul and R&B featuring vocalist Sharon Jones.
1:45-2:45 p.m.: Amorphous Band, jazz-oriented funk and soul music.
3:15-4:15 p.m.: Ben Baldwin & the Big Note bring back that big, classic sound.