Downtown Auburn hosts Spring Festival with cornhole competition April 20

Kicking off events season in Auburn, the Downtown Auburn Business Association is hosting a Spring Festival from 4-8 p.m. April 20. It has been a few years since the association has hosted a Spring Festival for the community to enjoy, said Downtown Business Association President Vickie Chapman. The street fair will close Lincoln Way from Cleveland Avenue to High Street, welcoming vendors, street sales and various food offerings. Vendors will be selling jewelry, clothing, hats and more. Food vendors include local restaurants, food trucks and Old Town Pizza. The event will also feature a DJ and live music at the Promenade. The free event is designed to be family friendly with several spaces for children-focused activities, including face painting. "We want to encourage community togetherness," Chapman said. "We want to make it feel like there is somewhere that is safe and fun with different events people can take their families to." In the spirit of community, Chapman said the Downtown Business Association is partnering with the Auburn Aces Baseball 9U Blue team to also host a cornhole competition and fundraiser. "We are always looking to get our kids involved in the community and these funds will help offset the tournament fees and equipment," said Christine Martin, parent of a Blue 9U player. The team's 13 players will help host two all-ages cornhole competitions. There will be an entry fee for players and the first-, second- and third-place finishers will receive a cash prize. Players will also host a 50/50 raffle and raffle for a Yeti Cooler filled with drinks. "This will just be something fun to do alongside all of the other festivities," Martin said. Chapman said the Downtown Business Association is looking to partner with more local non-profits this year to help offset pricey location rental fees. "If there are any non-profits looking for somewhere to host something, contact us, let's see how we can help you," she said.