Key City Connection will energize the downtown scene at their second annual Key City Block Party this Saturday.

Live music, food and beverage vendors, dancing, balloons and piñatas are just a few of the activities at the Key City Block Party from 3-11 p.m. Saturday on North 2nd Street from Walnut to Pine Street.

Admission costs $10 for the early-bird special available online until 2 p.m. Saturday, door prices are $15 for adults, $10 for students and military personnel providing IDs, and free for ages 12 or younger.

Key City Connection, founded by Jordan Fox and MaryCarol Fox – “no relation, but dating,” he said – connects local businesses with Dyess Air Force Base, college students and families in Abilene.

The co-founders are no strangers to experiencing Abilene as a college student, since they are ACU alumni.

“Why should you care? Because this is an event that was built for you,” Jordan Fox said. 

MaryCarol said in places like College Station, the students of Texas A&M love their college city. Fox said she believes that in Abilene, that is not usually the case.

The Foxes have seven bands scheduled to perform, including headliner from Austin Holiday Mountain that lists their genre as “electronic future thug.”

“That’s a big step from last year to this year,” Jordan said. “Last year was a bunch of acoustic artists, basically a chill environment. This year is about energy.”

He said their goal is to bring in up-and-coming Texas artists or bands with Texas ties to engage the crowd.

“This isn’t music that you have in the background, you’ll want to get involved and dance to it,” Jordan said. “Abilene already has a big country festival and United Way puts on a rhythm and blues festival, but we can cover the more eclectic scene.”

Chris Audio performed last year at the Key City Block Party and will return this year to perform and release his first album. Other performing artists will include Lillie Lemon, Tripp Mathis and the Traitors, Zach Nytomt, Casper Anderson, and Brandon Watson.

An Italian-American food vendor called Little Mafioso will be having their grand-opening at this block party.

MaryCarol said they are in need of volunteers, who will be given free admission.

More information about the event, purchasing tickets, and volunteering opportunities can be found on the Key City Connection website: http://www.keycityconnection.net/.