This summer, the Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) invites the community to celebrate the history and the future of Washington Avenue with the third annual WASH AVE ROCKS! Street Fair on August 18, 2012.

From noon until 6pm on Saturday, August 18, Washington Avenue will come alive between St. Marks Avenue and Prospect Place to showcase the unique offerings of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights, which have served as Brooklyn’s cultural hub for generations. This year’s street fair celebrates the essence of the Mom-and-Pop shop, from the neighborhood’s pioneers to entrepreneurial newcomers.

The day will be jam-packed with a host of events and exciting entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Highlights from the day include:

• A Food Taste-Off judged by food critics from Time Out New York, Saveur Magazine and Edible Brooklyn; the appetizer contest winner will receive a trophy from New York City Council Member Letitia James and bragging rights (1pm)
• A Fashion Show featuring local hair salons and clothing shops strutting their stuff on the runway (4:30pm)
• The nationally acclaimed Double Dutch group the Stan’s Pepper Steppers
• A photo retrospective featuring images of the area through the decades

Throughout the day, vendors will highlight a host of flavorful foods and wares from the neighborhood. Kids can enjoy a special treat with water slides, spinning apples, Mexican ice pops, and face painting. There will also be free snacks and school supplies donated and distributed by local merchants. Along with the Avenue’s merchants, Heart of Brooklyn cultural institutions including Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum will be on site with activities and giveaways for the crowd.

WASH AVE ROCKS! promises something for everyone. “Our street fair is not to be missed!” notes Dana Ottey, President of WAPHA. “WASH AVE ROCKS! is a must see event for foodies, families and fashionistas!”

For a detailed lineup of the day’s events including a full list of vendors and participants, visit WAPHA’s website at www.washington-avenue.org.