Summers at Elon University are notorious for being uneventful.
But if you took an early evening stroll down Lebanon Avenue on June 27, you were in for a pleasant surprise.
For the first time, the Town of Elon and the Town Merchants have partnered to sponsor Alive After Five in downtown Elon, a community event that features food, beverages and free entertainment for individuals of all ages on the last Thursday of every summer month.
The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with the Elon Community Church Farmer's Market, which takes place on the lawn of Elon Community Church every Thursday from April through October.
Live music is played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. as festivalgoers fill the streets while sitting in folding chairs and at picnic tables.
Additionally, College Street Tap House and West End Station extend their services outdoors for the event, so festivalgoers can enjoy food and beverages of their choice while listening to the band.
Phyllis Creech, director of Elon Recreation & Parks, said the department has wanted to put together an event for the community for several years.
"In talking with the merchants [who operate businesses] in downtown Elon, they also expressed interest, so it worked out perfectly to partner together to do something," Creech said. "The merchants are paying for the bands and sound system, and the Recreation & Parks department is taking care of staging and all of the planning."
She said businesses in downtown Elon, such as All That Jas and The Root Trackside, are staying open later on Alive After Five nights to drive more business to the community during the summer months.
"We want people who attend to know Elon is a wonderful place and that it's hospitable," Creech said.
Peter Ustach, co-owner of The Fat Frogg and Pandora's Pies and a Class of 2009 alumnus, said the event is based off similar Alive After Five events held in Greensboro, Charlotte and Raleigh. He said Alive After Five is a chance to show the local community the positive changes that have been made to downtown Elon.
[quote]We want people who attend to know Elon is a wonderful place and that it’s hospitable. -- Phyllis Creech, director of Elon Recreation & Parks[/quote]
"Every business downtown had a part in this," Ustach said. "The whole goal was if we can get 1,000 people over the course of four months and 10 percent of those people have not been to downtown Elon recently, they'll realize how much has changed and how much more there is to do now."
More than 300 people attended the first Alive After Five event May 30, and Ustach said he predicts attendance will only go up from there.
"The best part is seeing people come in your restaurant and then say, 'We had a great time. Thanks so much for everything,'" he said.
The past two Alive After Five events May 30 and June 27 featured musical performances by Hip Pocket and Back Porch Orchestra, respectively. The Big Something will play next July 25, and Too Far Gone will close out this year's first Alive After Five season August 29.