The good times are on the west side of town this weekend as the second annual West Side Celebration takes over Beekman and Oak Streets on Friday evening and Saturday.

The event celebrates the rich history of the neighborhood and its neighbors and honors those who have recently settled in the area. West Side Celebration Committee Chairwoman Lee Signor notes the event also fills a void that was left open when the long-running Feast of St. Michael’s was retired.

Last year, the celebration drew nearly 3,000 people and was considered such a success the committee decided to hold the event annually.

“One of the things that is so interesting is that everyone on the street is so enthusiastic about the celebration,” said Signor. “Every business, every restaurant donated money toward it. There is celebrating, dancing in the streets, music and food.” And, as Signor notes, there are several events for children.

The celebration starts Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Beekman St. Bandstand with an opening ceremony featuring Master of Ceremonies Denise McDonald. Speakers during the event will include Mayor Valerie Keehn, Rev. Neil Draves Arpaia and Rev. Minnie Burns, singing by Garland Nelson and dancing by MOVE Dance, a group of young hip hop dancers.

Last year, Dee Sarno, Director Emeritus of the Saratoga County Arts Council, got a grant to document the history of the Italians in the West Side neighborhoods. This year, a grant was received and the history of the Black Americans in the area will be featured at the History Tent in Cobb Alley throughout the celebration.

“The celebration is not about these groups, however,” said Signor. “It is about the west side – the history is a sub-plot within.”

Throughout the weekend live music will be featured from such varied artists as Jim Smith, Frontiersman; DJ Bill Stanley; jazz outfit, Carl Turner Trio; Rhumpas and the Wild Things, a spirited, interactive mix of Afro-Caribbean drummers and dancers; The Remainders’ rock and roll with soul; and George Fletcher’s Bourbon Renewal.

Food is definitely a focus of the weekend, featuring a pasta fagioli dinner and Italian buffet at the Princepessa Elena Society, a soul food dinner both evenings at the Frederick Allen Lodge, baked goods and special menus at several of the surrounding restaurants.

For the children, there will be an interactive puppet event with Chuck Beers at 74 Beekman St. from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday; art activities including clay hand building and wheel throwing, painting, dream catchers and face painting at 79 Beekman St. from 2 to 4 p.m.

The art galleries on Beekman will be open both days until 10 p.m.