A new monthly event in Saratoga Village is designed to revitalize the area, with local vendors and storefronts participating, along with live music and demonstrations from local organizations.
“We hope to build on success and build on the attendance, give people a regular activity to do that will help bring life and foot traffic to the downtown area,” said Jim Cargill, the incoming president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.
First Thursday Nights in Saratoga is set to kick off on April 3, 5-8 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and organized with Saratoga Vitality Neighbors and local businesses, schools and organizations. According to a flier from Saratoga Vitality Neighbors, the event is still in development, and the group is looking for ideas and volunteers to help.
“We are so excited about this event; we seek to bring the community together and offer a fun, engaging time for all ages in the Village, the hub and heart of Saratoga,” said the Saratoga Vitality Neighbors in a message to the Bay Area News Group.
Cargill said that they will have several wineries and a brewery participating at the event. He also said that the event was designed to provide a QR code in a dining area to allow people to order takeout from restaurants at the Village. Onstage, several various community entertainers and live musicians will have the opportunity to perform in front of the audience.
Cargill said the organizers were “building the plane as we fly” for this event. Earlier this month, organizers are looking to get music and event permits for the area. They were also planning to invite performers and host demonstrations by local schools, arts and sports organizations and guest wineries, breweries and vendors.
Storefronts that want to participate are being asked to host live music or offer workshops, activities or food samples.
The parking lot across from the Saratoga Visitor Center and other spaces throughout the Village are planned to be reserved for attendees.
This is the first of a seven-series event happening on the first Thursday of every month from April to October, Cargill said.
“Hanging out with neighbors, sharing food and wine, with live music and performances by professionals and students and other demonstrations and activities is what we have heard our neighbors asking for,” according to the Saratoga Vitality Neighbors. “So we are building it.”