Whew, how quickly a year zips by. It's that time again. This Friday, 9/16 is Park(ing) Day on Myrtle Avenue, and all over.

In case you aren't familiar, Park(ing) Day is an international event started by Rebar that reclaims and reimagines parking spots as mini-parks and engaging public spaces. As Transportation Alternatives describes, Park(ing) Day sparks dialogue about our valuable public space and how we choose to use it.

Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi.

Gnarly Vines Park is all about fun: inside the store: great music and wine tasting with discounts on featured wines. Outside will be face painters and sidewalk chalk. Here's more from GV: “starting at noon there will be sidewalk chalk for the kids and wine tasting for parents. Adults unaccompanied by children can let loose their inner kid on the sidewalk and join the grown-ups for a taste of wine after!” Gnarly Vines can be reached at 718.797.3183.

Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi

Red Lantern Bicycles Park describes their space as “all about bicycle love.” Iced coffee stand, snacks, demos and…hey, ride/walk by and get your flat fixed! Red Lantern Bicycles can be reached at 347.889.5338.

Brooklyn Stone Boutique and CakeJoy Bakery, 366 and 364 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi

Brooklyn Stone Boutique and CakeJoy Bakery Park is all about “very tasty treats, acoustic music and fashion.” On the heels of Fashion Week and celebrating a first anniversary on Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn Stone presents a fashion show, mucho fashion advice (think of it as solicited what not to wear)and sales galore. CakeJoy presents yummy tastings, other tasty bites and delicious specials on the hour. Brooklyn Stone Boutique can be reached at 347.763.2041. CakeJoy can be reached at 718.624.CAKE (2253).

Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly

Green in BKLYN Park presents Insert__Here, an interactive installation that creates community awareness around climate change. Brooklyn-based artist, Eve Mosher invites participants to post bright yellow arrows suggesting creative climate change solutions such as “Insert a tree here”, Insert a green roof here Insert solar panels here.” Read more about Eve Mosher and 350.org here. Green in BKLYN can be reached at 718.855.4383.

Pillow Cafe, Dee & Ricky's, Fork Cafe and Sapolo Restaurant, 501-507 Myrtle betweeen Ryerson and Grand

Called the 501-507 Myrtle Avenue Hot Spot, these four businesses, Pillow Cafe, Dee & Ricky's, Fork Cafe and Sapolo Restaurant have lots of great activities planned, including tastings and lunch specials. They also have an open call to acoustic musicians, spoken word artists and others, to stop by.

Dee & Ricky's will roll out what they are calling their “soft, soft opening.” If you only knew what they have in store for…er (yikes, almost let it slip), soon, you'll know that this is very very true (be ready!). Wing specials and beers on tap inside. Dee & Ricky's can be reached at 718.789.1111.

Fork Cafe has tastings on the hour, great lunch specials galore, including their “very amazing chili.” Fork Cafe can be reached at 718.622.FORK (3675).

Pillow Cafe has tastings and DE-licious sandwich, salad and smoothie specials planned. Pillow Cafe can be reached at 718.246.2711.

Sapolo Restaurant has tastings and lots of food specials planned. Sapolo Restaurant can be reached at 718.789.7788 or 718.789.7766.

Special shout out to the amazing John Rattigan from Root Stock for ALWAYS helping us (“beyond the call”) to make this happen.

**special request: Anyone available to volunteer Friday morning, 9/16 for about 1-2 hours? Could use about 4-5 volunteers to help unload sod from van and roll out into 3 parking spots. If available, please call Jennifer at 718.230.1689. Unique morning workout + a brand new MyrtleBag (eco-shopping bag) + uber gratitude + a great cause (Parking Day 2011)

pic from Park(ing) Day on Myrtle, 2007.