I have mixed feelings on this. The event was based on a model that many other cities around the world have used to great results to open up a space and let it become part of the pedestrian/bike realm for a set period.
However the main organizing group (the Arusha Centre I believe) went way overboard in their anti-commercialization of the event. Not even having a single food or beverage stand along the entire route is just ridiculous (especially in the heat of last year). You do need more than just sidewalk chalk and some other toys to keep people interested in what is going on. Had they at least allowed some vendors and food and beverage I think that could have helped change the perception for most of the public substantially. As it stood the hardline approach really rubbed the majority of people the wrong way, and only led to strengthening negative stereotypes of the event and the people that attend it.
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