Music may be emanating from downtown parks on Saturdays over the summer, too.

City Council members briefly discussed an idea floated as part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan Task Force to expand Music in the Park to include Saturdays. Councilwoman Wendy McCain and Mike Holtz, city manager, both heard the same rough idea – though after some discussion it was learned having bands playing downtown on Saturdays is very much in the preliminary stage.

“As a downtown business owner, Music in the Park matters,” McCain said. It’s a big deal for businesses, so I think that would be well supported.”

Mayor Dave Wortman said his understanding is that the Saturday concerts weren’t a part of Music in the Park, but are being discussed as something in addition to Music in the Park.

While there isn’t a firm proposal yet, Wortman signaled his support for the general idea, too.

“What I’m getting at is that I think it’s a great idea,” Wortman said. “I do agree with Councilwoman McCain’s sentiments that it’s a huge draw to the downtown area. I’m just very interested in that conversation.”3

More concrete are ideas to bring more foot traffic into downtown businesses. Randy Rossey, city code and planning director, said a Hop and Shop will be held April 5-19 at downtown businesses that will include a QR code that can be found on an Easter bunny in downtown shops. There will be several prizes available as well as a grand prize.

“The planning behind this is to encourage people to go into the shops, find the QR code and visit all of the participating shops during that time,” Rossey said. “The reason is to try and promote the downtown businesses during the week before Easter.”

First Friday will return the first Fridays of June, July and August in conjunction with Music in the Park, Rossey said, while there are also plans for a fall Leaf Festival in October and a holiday Sasquatch scavenger hunt in November as part of a Shop Local campaign.