Kudos to The Parks Main Street (TPMS) Executive Director Edwin Washington, The Parks Main Street board of directors, participating businesses, artists, sponsors, and District of Columbia government agencies for executing a very enjoyable Art All Night experience in Riggs Park on September 24, 2021. Check out video from The Parks Main Street here.
Mr. Washington, in particular, did a phenomenal job organizing this neighborhood’s inaugural participation in this annual event, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that he had to organize the participation of two different neighborhoods–Riggs Park and Manor Park–which together make up The Parks Main Street. The weather was great, and it was quite wonderful to see so many neighbors come out to support this event.
In Riggs Park, the evening featured performing arts, visual arts, beverage tastings, and more over the course of four hours at four principal locations: Troka Insurance, Hellbender Brewery, Culture Coffee Too, and Riggs Wine & Liquor. I managed to make it to every venue location in Riggs Park except Hellbender’s open mic. I was quite impressed by the lineup of the artists who performed.
There were Latin-American artists at Troka Insurance
Culture Coffee Too featured jazz and spoken word.
Asian-American artists performed at Riggs Wine & Liquor.
The tasting stations at Riggs Wine & Liquor were quite popular.
There were also a few vendors, live painting, and visual artists at each location, including Melissa Crawford (aka MC), the wife of The Parks Main Street board vice chair Ray Crawford. The things you learn about neighbors!
Chocolate City by Melissa Crawford, aka MC 
J. Elise Tea 
Tarika Art by Tarika Campbell 
Whiskey Girl DC 
Alta Koer Art Production
“More of this, please” was a familiar refrain I heard throughout the night. I agree. The Parks Main Street is led by a part-time executive director and an all-volunteer board. To support more good things happening in the neighborhood, consider giving a donation to The Parks Main Street at https://theparksmainstreet.org/support/donate. And let The Parks Main Street know how you can volunteer your time and support in the future at https://theparksmainstreet.org/support/volunteer. Follow The Parks Main Street on twitter, facebook, and instagram.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
Yes, the Art All Night celebration was well executed and festive. Kudus to Edwin and all the unsung volunteers, technicians, and participants who made it a wonderful night out. Also, props to Culture Coffee Too for showing the community that these types of events are possible!