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Let’s go Downtown, Plano that is

September 2007 - Lisa Sams

I love the oranges, reds, purples, and blues that are typical of our Texas sunsets. It’s like God is painting a special piece of art just for me every evening. In my opinion, the best time of year to see these beautiful skies is the fall – the (slightly) cooler temperatures create the perfect opportunity to sit outside and sip a favorite beverage.

This fall we can all take in the sunsets in an extra-special way courtesy of the Historic Downtown Plano Association’s “Downtown @ Sundown” event. We will enjoy food and drinks, entertainment, and shopping as the sun goes down. I talked with Jon Hubach, Plano’s Downtown Planner, and he told me, “This is our first major Historic Downtown Plano Association (HDPA) event. We want it to be a must-attend event for everyone in Plano and our sister communities.” Based on the event plans he shared with me, I think they have a winner!

For example, all of the merchants on 15th Street and Avenue K are encouraged to extend their hours on the nights of “Downtown @ Sundown.” DART riders will be able to utilize their Destination Deals program, and the Q Club Card will entitle attendees to discounts, too. (Note to self: sign up for one of those cards!) Shoppers will also enjoy strolling through The Marketplace, a special section for vendors who don’t have shops in the historic section of town.

I can’t forget to mention the food and drinks. Jon said that many of downtown Plano’s restaurants will be open with extended hours and “Downtown @ Sundown” specials. Some of the merchants will offer drinks and snacks to shoppers, and The Marketplace will include food vendors. Oh, Jon did remind me that, “open containers of adult beverages are not allowed on the city streets.”

 Just like the painted skies above us, the Historic Downtown Plano art galleries will open their doors and display exhibits worthy of our time. And, for those of us who are philanthropically inclined, the HDPA will sponsor a silent auction at each Sundown event benefiting an area charity. Log on to the Web site to see the list of auction items and the beneficiaries.

If you enjoy a little more action, in the J Place parking lot we can listen to music and dance for a while. During “Downtown @ Sundown,” two different groups will perform a 90-minute concert each with a 30-minute break between bands. Harry Kean, owner of Massimiliano’s Italian Ristorante, is coordinating the entertainment and Jon said that Harry plans for some of the Sundown nights to feature a musical theme, like ‘70s night (get out your boogie shoes, guys).

Gosh, I don’t know where to start my “Downtown @ Sundown” experience. Get something to eat and drink? Listen to great music? Wander through the art galleries? Peruse the silent auction items? Or shop? Ah, I think I’ve made a decision – I’ll do it all, we’ve got five hours! Gotta support the HDPA members, right?

See you at Sundown in Historic Downtown Plano!

Downtown @ Sundown
Historic Downtown Plano on 15th Street
5 – 10 pm
September 8
October 13
November 10
www.visitdowntownplano.com

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