HomeMy WebLinkAboutTequesta Fest_Beacon_12/01/2010 Tequesta Fest Was Beneficial apparel to barbering to a wellness center and a pet groomer. Also, there is a
specialty watercraft dealer, automotive repair shop, a construction company, a
For Bridge Road Merchants book store and a ceramic art studio. At least three of the shops have been in
business here 25 year or more. These include Gallery Five, Carmen's Fairway
The Paradise Park Event Found Some of the Street's Haircutting and My Book Place.
Merchants Participating While All Gained Visibility Tequesta Fest attracted a huge crowd for its first ever staging in Paradise Park,
something Bridge Road merchants were hoping for. Formerly known as the
TEQUESTA -- The Tequesta Fest held in Paradise park November 20 proved Tequesta Harvest Fest, the event had its third name change this year and
to be beneficial for Bridge Road businesses. The event staged for the first time in relocated to Paradise Park at the same time. The festival began in 2002 in
the new park fronted Bridge Road and those attending could not help but observe Constitution Park with the name Tequesta Family Fall Fling. It was so well
their surroundings. Some of the street's merchants participated in the festival, attended, it was moved to the Village Green on Tequesta Drive in 2003 and was
while others remained open. expanded. It became Harvest Fest in 2008. The event had grown so fast that the
Bridge Road businesses are diversified and there is something of interest name no longer applied. Further growth dictated another name change "Tequesta
available on the street for everyone. Business owners on the street have joined Fest" - this year. The event is produced by the Village Parks and Recreation
together in an awareness campaign to let people know what goods and services Department. There are several local sponsors, and this year's festival featured
are available to them on Bridge Road, but also to dispel confusion over where the more than 80 local vendors and there was expansion in all areas of entertainment,
street is located. especially children's activities.
Bridge Road is a one block street between Old Dixie Highway and U. S. All kinds of entertainment was presented, including three live bands. On the
Highway One, a block south of Tequesta Drive. Business categories range from Main Stage, the Datura Street Band kicked off at 1:OOpm, followed by the Gypsy
Page 16 The Beacon e 747 -1212 • December 2010
Lane Band and the Gala Rivera Santana Tribute Band. DJ entertainment by Artist for a Day is a free rein ceramic studio, complete with kiln. Any age group
Jammin' Jim was scheduled throughout the day. is welcome to come in and pick their piece and design, then be creative to their
Kathleen Worley, recreation supervisor at the Parks and Recreation heart's content. If one needs instruction, Joella is pleased to give it When. �`
Department, said "the Tequesta Fest was moved to Paradise Park because there is completed, she will fire it for the customer and have it ready the following week.
more room for all the activity." She indicated "the name change was necessitated The studio sponsors a summer camp for kids and offers special events such as
due to the process of a changing format over the years. birthday parties, ladies night out and different school projects.
The Tequesta Fest provided plenty of attention to the businesses on Bridge Dr. Marci Meyerowich, chiropractor, had been in practice for 12 years on
Road, and owners are anxious to see the benefits. For a long time, Bridge Road Bums Road in Palm Beach Gardens before moving her office to Bridge Road
had been confused with Bridge Road in Hobe Sound, but the merchants banning two years ago. Dr. Meyerowich abides by the principles of a holistic wellness
together to promote the fact that there is a Bridge Road in Tequesta and thriving program in her chiropractic work. She treats all ages from infant to seniors.
businesses available on the street is a plus. Take note of the businesses Probably what sets Dr. Meyerowich apart from other chiropractors is her specific
participating in this Beacon promotion and try to patronize them. All are approach to treatment. She says "it is a personal, one -on -one relationship and we
professional and friendly businesses. concern ourselves with whole body wellness, rather than just basic areas." The
Following are brief profiles on each of the Bridge Road businesses. chiropractor is a Tequesta native. She says she really enjoys being located on
Bridge Road, but jokes - "the street was just a shortcut for kids who grew
Gallery Five began 28 years ago up here. We took the street without even knowing its name to avoid the
and was located in the Gallery traffic signal at U. S. One and Tequesta Drive. Now, however, it a whole
Square shops at Tequesta Drive and new perspective for us." She welcomes new patients and an opportunity to
Seabrook Road under the discuss their needs.
proprietorship of Paul and Paula � I '
Cohen, After having 23 years in Suni Daze Pet Grooming is a full service shop specializing in hand
Gallery Square North, the scissoring. Suni Meyers, owner, opened the shop two and one -half years
American fine crafts gallery, with ago after having served as a groomer in various places for nine years. She
emphasis on wearable art, moved uses all natural products and works with both dogs and cats. Suni operates
to Bridge Road in 2007. "We on the principal that "not all dogs have to be crated." The dogs waiting to
wanted to scale down and have a be picked up are allowed to
quieter life," Paul said "We're ;a "hang out" with her up front
still doing what we always did and These are some of the while she is grooming other
pets. "The dogs realize it's a
are offering our trunk shows and businesses on Bridge Road she
territory," mutual terri"
fashion shows. But, our hours have looking southeast from Paradise explained, and is really a
been shrunk and it is more relaxed Park, and to the northwest from very good socialization
day to day. We are pleased with the the opposite side of the park. The
reception we've had here and find park's entrance is from Bridge experience for them." Suni
our neighbors to be very friendly," Road. Tequesta Fest filled the enjoys being on Bridge Road
Paul emphasized. "Come see what entire park, plus some of the where she finds it to be really
we have here on Bridge Road." roadway along the street. nice and comfortable.
My Book Place is a 25 -year old Specialty Watercraft was
company owned by Lois Yaffe. actually the brainchild of Brandon Radcliff, who had been in jet ski racing and
After five years on Mona Rd, near County Line Road, Tequesta, Lois moved to was a World Cup Champion in the mid 90s. It all started in his back yard in
Bridge Road and has enjoyed her association with customers for the past 20 Jupiter somewhat by accident nearly 14 years ago. Later on he opened a
years. "We are fortunate enough to have lots of regular customers and my storefront on Old Dixie Highway. The company is a Yahama and See -doo jet ski
neighboring business colleges on the street are wonderful.," she said. My Book dealership and offers sales and service. The store was moved to Bridge Road
Place sells new and used books. Known as "The Book Woman," Lois says there about eight and one -half years ago. In 2008, Al Henry entered the business as a
are over 50,000 books categorized in her shop. "Come in and see what we have. partner. Now, Radcliff handles service and Al takes care of sales and marketing.
You'll be amazed" We love being on Bridge Road, Al said, but visibility has been a concern. We
are taking steps to correct that, however."
Carmen 's Fairway Haircutting began back in 1988 in the former Publix Budget Tire &Auto is convinced they have the best location in Tequesta and
plaza on Tequesta Drive, across from Mad Hatters (formerly McCarthy's). It was
founded by Carmen Legato. Needless to say, the shop promotes a golfing theme. Jupiter, according to Sidney Solomon, marketing manager. The full service
When it was announced that the Publix plaza would be torn down. Carmen automotive repair company is located on the corner of Old Dixie Highway and
moved over to Bridge Road, just a short distance to the south, in early 2000. The Bridge Road. Mark Solomon bought the shop in 2002. Previously, the location
shop has always been the preferred barber shop here, offering conscientious had been a Goodyear Tire & Auto shop for nearly 30 years. Budget Tire & Auto
haircutting professionals. When the move occurred, Sharon Littlefield, who had specializes in air conditioning service, brakes, front end repairs, tune -ups, oil
been employed at the shop for several years, became a partner. She eventually changes, full maintenance service, etc. Basically, it is a bumper to bumper shop.
became sole owner. The policies did not change. It is still strictly a barber shop They also do classic car repairs and maintenance. Frank Lopresti is general
which caters to walk -in business, but limited appointments are available on a manager.
part-time basis. And, Carmen still cuts hair there part-time. The merchants of Bridge Road are professional and long term companies. All
Artist for a Day has actually been in operation since 1996, having started on offer quality services and merchandise. It is worth a visit to this street that has a
Old DIxie Highway north of Toney Penna Drive. Joella Gilmond took it over in long history of business activity. Besides the new park there are banks,
2006 and moved the studio to Bridge Road two and one -half years ago. "I love it pharmacies, restaurants and other businesses nearby, so it literally can be
over here. It is so much different than before. The people are great," Joella said. described as being in the hub of Tequesta commerce. Go to Bridge Road and be
amazed!