T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY North 13th Street looking south is pictured recently. The street is central to 13th Street District activities such as a Harvest Market slated for July 13, and a dance Sept. 13.

The people have spoken and the 13th Street District volunteers have listened.

13th Street District President Neil Dalal of Marshalltown said the organization has been listening to district residents, and those city-wide in scheduling two events this summer.

A Harvest Market is set for July 13 and a street dance for Sept. 13.

“We have been planning a lot of great events the past few years,” he said. “Some with live music, alcohol and beer gardens while maintaining a safe environment for families. A number of residents have been asking for more.”

Dalal said last year’s street dance was a success, drawing approximately 800.

The city council approved a resolution allowing open containers on public ways — a necessity in having alcohol sales — at Monday night’s regular meeting for the July 13 and Sept. 13 events. Before the vote, Dalal told councilors strict security would be in place to prevent underage drinking.

“We will be checking identifications and using wristbands,” he said. “We will be serving ‘special’ cans not found in convenience stores (to prevent carry-ins by those underage). There’s zero tolerance while we are serving … Two police officers will be on duty.”

Dalal said the 13th Street District had garnered support for scheduling the events from Marshalltown Police Chief Mike Tupper, City Administrator Jessica Kinser, City Clerk Shari Coughenour and Parks and Recreation Director Geoff Hubbard. Mayor Joel Greer told Dalal the organization’s previous events were fun.

When laid-out approximately five years ago, the 13th Street District consisted of four blocks — two blocks each east and west — from the intersection of 13th and Main Street to the 13th and Summit intersection, bordering the south entrance to the Iowa Veterans Home.

“The revitalization effort began in earnest in 2012,” said businessman, local resident and district volunteer Doug Gervich. “With the Franklin Field Gateway Project, which included all new fencing and refurbished Franklin Field ticket booths and landscaping.”

Since then the public art piece “Echo” was installed and new businesses moved onto North 13th Street. It is a 43-feet tall, 10,000-pound, stainless-steel sculpture created by Bruce White of DeKalb, Ill.

For more information check the not-for-profit organization’s Facebook page.

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Contact Mike Donahey, 641-753-6611,

or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com