Hooray for Hillcrest
Revelers enjoying Toast to Hillcrest
In 2007 the neighborhood celebrated its first 100 years with a new community event — the festive (and adults only) Toast to Hillcrest. The centennial party was so successful that the fun continues annually on each Thursday following August’s CityFest. If you’re over 21, then consider yourself invited! Here’s the deal:
(1) Toasters buy tickets at HillcrestHistory.org in advance. Only 100 tickets are sold from the will call booth beginning at 4:30pm. (2) Bring a valid ID to Fifth & Robinson for a wristband and map/ticket leading to participants. (3) Plan your route and raise a glass to Hillcrest. Revelers may leisurely stroll to the many cocktail lounges, cafes, yogurt shops, wine bars and restaurants identified with red balloons…or hop on & off an open-air bus with handsome hosts Benny Cartwright and Ricky Cervantes.
Hillcrest’s best establishments will offer toasts, tastes and nibbles from 5:30-8pm, and the bus will continue to run up Fifth Avenue and along University until 9pm. Jump on board to enjoy the buzz, have a cup of coffee or get dropped off at your favorite watering hole for a nightcap. Tickets to this fabulous summer fun-raiser are only $19 if purchased now through July. In August the price jumps to $25, still a bargain for the best tasting and toasting event in town.
This event helps the Hillcrest History Guild grow its virtual museum and share our neighborhood’s story. Proceeds are used for projects to preserve and protect local history, support community building and continue an outreach for more information. Record a slice of your history by sharing stories, photos (scanned & returned) or pieces of memorabilia. The HHG will provide a place of safekeeping as our neighborhood timeline grows. Please also consider becoming a member of this great nonprofit for as little as $10.
Update: The final Toast to Hillcrest was held in 2011. The Hillcrest History Guild continues fund raising efforts by offering historic neighborhood walks. Become a member for only $10 and be one of the first to hear about upcoming events.