Organizers of the first-ever “Best in the ‘Brook Fest” are calling for local artists, businesses and residents to get involved in one of three planned events in downtown Westbrook on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The mini-festival is being organized by the Downtown Westbrook Coalition to coincide with the Insane Inflatable 5K event, taking place at Sunset Ridge Golf Links on the same day.

Abigail Cioffi, the coordinator of the Downtown Westbrook Coalition, which is working to revitalize the downtown, said the organization saw the unique 5K event as an opportunity to promote the downtown.

This is the first year the Insane Inflatable 5K will be in Westbrook, and Cioffi describes the event as family-friendly – the race course is littered with giant, inflated obstacles, unlike the more-dangerous Tough Mudder event, which is coming back to Westbrook on Sept. 26.

During the Insane Inflatable 5K, shuttles will be used to bus participants and spectators to and from the downtown and Sunset Ridge, off Cumberland Street.

With less than two weeks until the 5K, Cioffi and the coalition are trying to spread the word about the three portions of “Best in the Brook” – a plein air painting event, a pop-up sidewalk sale, and a multi-cultural festival. Organizers are hoping to receive more participants for each.

The “Plein Air Paint Out,” hosted by the Westbrook Arts & Culture Committee and Continuum for Creativity, is calling on artists to visit Westbrook and draw inspiration from various outdoor spots in the city. According to Cioffi, these include the Presumpscot River and Saccarappa Falls, downtown buildings such as the Dana Warp Mill, Walker Memorial Library, and the Elms Bed & Breakfast, Riverbank Park and more.

There is no registration fee for the event, and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Following the event, Continuum for Creativity, on Main Street, will host an exhibition of the works created during the day from Sept. 12-26. An opening reception will take place the night of the event, from 5-7. Continuum will charge a 30 percent commission on gallery sales. To pre-register, email Westbrook Arts & Culture at westbrookartsculture@gmail.com.

Cioffi said the coalition is also looking for more vendors for the pop-up sidewalk sale, taking place at the back of the CVS Pharmacy lot. She said this portion of the fest was brainstormed first, as a business meet-and-greet – “a central place for people to learn about business in Westbrook.”

The sidewalk sale is open to local businesses, nonprofit organizations and residents. The registration fee is $10, with all funds going to the coalition to support the downtown. Participants must provide tables.

The third portion of Best in the ‘Brook will be a multi-cultural festival along the riverwalk’s boardwalk. Cioffi said the goal of the event is to highlight the great diversity in Westbrook, with organizers hoping to see food, dance, art, and music. There is no fee to sign up, but a table must be provided.

To sign up for the events or for more information, contact Cioffi at acioffi@westbrook.me.us.