The Open Streets Dorchester festival took over Dorchester Avenue last Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – blocking off traffic and allowing for a safe walking and biking environment to a thoroughfare usually dominated by motor vehicles.

This was the third year for the City’s Open Streets festivals, and Dorchester kicked off the fun this year – with several more events around the city set to take place throughout the summer and early fall. While colder weather and some rain played a part in keeping huge numbers away from the festival this year, plenty of families and neighbors still took advantage of the morning and afternoon closures to make the event a fun place to be.

The closures went from Adams Street in Fields Corner all the way to Ashmont Street in Peabody Square. The next event is scheduled for June 22 on Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury and Dorchester between Warren Street in Grove Hall to West Cottage Street. The time there will also be 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hyro Vu tried his hand at painting a nature scene just up from St. Mark’s Church as his parents, Le and Tam look on.
Seth Daniel photos

Lianne and Tyrone Odom with state Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley visiting on Dorchester Avenue during the annual Open Streets festival.

Might as well jump. Siblings Clarissa and Charles Strojwas twirl the jump rope for their sister, Morgaine Strojwas, outside the Henderson Lower School on Dorchester Avenue during the annual Dorchester Open Streets festival.

Taking a Sunday stroll on Dorchester Avenue were Tom Bearce, little Eleanor Bearce, and Samantha Landry-Bearce.