BROOKINGS Live music returns to downtown this Thursday when the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerces annual Downtown at Sundown concert series resumes.
This is the 10th anniversary, Ainsley Bennett, chamber event coordinator, said. A couple things were keeping a little under warps so far, but we encourage everybody to come out and see what we have to offer. Its still that familiar vibe of being a family friendly event but well have a couple special surprises as well.
A free, outdoor concert takes place each Thursday evening in downtown Brookings.
For a five week period through Aug. 21, we host an outdoor concert series on Main Avenue, Bennett said. Theres live music, a kids zone, several different food vendors and nonprofits, plus retail vendors. Its free to attend, anyone can come and participate. This is an event for visitors and residents alike, for people of all ages and its just to come together in the summer and celebrate Brookings.
A different musical act is scheduled each week.
Our opening headliner for July 24 is Lizzy Hofer, Bennett said. Following that, on July 31 we have the Undercover Band from Sioux Falls. Then Aug. 7 is Matt Gauger a local artist from Brookings. Then Aug. 14 is 280 Fifth. Finally, Aug. 21 will be Judd Hoos.
Theres more than just music planned.
We have different local food vendors from the area I believe seven total that will be present so therell be something to appeal to everybody, Bennett said. Our headlining sponsor First Bank & Trust is present, along with new weekly encore sponsors each week. So therell be different sponsors each week along with retail booths and local nonprofits. In our kids zone we have different free activities for the kids. We usually have a face painting booth every night and a foam pit some weeks.
Each week has a different theme.
The first week is just the kick-off, Bennett said. The second week, well be partnering with the Brookings School District, and theyll have some booths present. The third week is our new resident welcome night. So any new residents to the Brookings community, we encourage them to come out, meet some new people and get a feel for our community. The fourth week is multicultural night, so well have vendors from several different cultural groups present then as well. Our last night is in partnership with SDSU and will feature booths representing the university.
To accommodate the stage, vendor booths and the crowds, temporary street closures in downtown are planned.
The street will close every Thursday starting at 3 p.m., Bennett said. Well be closed then while the event takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The street closure is Fifth Street (from the alley) to Main Avenue, and Main Avenue to Fourth Street so thats the Wooden Legs alley to Main Avenue, and then from about Flavor to Rays.
She said they had great attendance last year.
Attendance can vary anywhere from 3,000 on up (per concert), Bennett said. Last year we welcomed a total of about 16,000 people to the area for the entire series and were hoping to see similar numbers this year.
She said organizing the concerts each year is a labor of love.
This will be my third year, Bennet said. I started as an intern and took over full-time as of last year. Our team along with chamber staff, we have an event-day intern team works hard. We have some great college students helping us out this year, and we are so appreciative for their help.
She said the series wouldnt be possible without local sponsors.
Were really excited to celebrate the 10th year of Downtown at Sundown, and were really grateful to our partnerships with First Bank & Trust and the City of Brookings, Bennett said. Were looking forward to inviting community members and visitors alike people of all ages to just celebrate the summer, celebrate Brookings and celebrate the 10th anniversary with us.
Vendors open their booths at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday, and the music starts at 6 p.m.More information is posted at downtownatsundown.org.
Email Jay Roe at [email protected].
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