For the first time in its four year history, Holly Aiken decided to get a booth at Raleigh Wide Open.

"I'm just glad to be down here and to be able to participate in the event," the owner of the handbag shop "Stitch" said.

The free event is celebrating the grand opening of the $14.8 million city plaza.

For the first time since 1976, all five blocks of Fayetville street were open allowing people to see from the Memorial Auditorium down to the capital building.s

Aiken sells handbags at her shop downtown a few blocks away from the plaza, but she said the festival offered some added exposure.

"It was just fun to get out and be in a different part of downtown where more people might see our product," she said.

There were plenty of pedestrians crossing paths with her booth as the party took over Fayetville street in downtown Raleigh.

Some people said they chose to attend because there was no admission charge.

"It's a free event in a time when the economy is not so good," Raleigh Resident Kenny Artis said. "I think it's something free that a lot of people can get out and enjoy and not really spend a whole lot of money."

Raleigh Wide Open was started to celebrate additions to downtown.

"We did the convention center last year, we opened on Fayetville street a few years ago (and) city plaza this year," Taylor Traversari, special events coordinator for the festival, said. "We just keep opening up great things in Raleigh and celebrating it."

One drawback to this year's festival is that it is only one day, compared to the two days of years past.

Still, Aiken said the important thing is that there will be something new to celebrate next year.

"Downtown Raleigh is really growing and coming alive more with all the new things to do," she said.