Merchants hope downtown Geneva is hopping ... on Thursday

Downtown Geneva merchants want you to do "That Thursday Night Thing" at their stores, restaurants and art galleries.

Whether that "thing" is eating dinner, picking out a new outfit, enjoying a coffee and dessert or ogling classic cars.

"That Thursday Night Thing" is a campaign, from now through Aug. 28, to promote business and cultural activities throughout the downtown. Forty-five businesses have signed on, with stores and galleries agreeing to stay open until at least 7 p.m.

It's similar to the "Eight Nite" program the city's downtown development committee sponsored last year on Thursdays. This year, it added entertainment. And it got its name from how the committee kept referring to "that Thursday night thing" when discussing its plans, said Carolyn Dellutri, the city's downtown development coordinator.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is joining in with its Classic Car Show from 6 to 8 p.m. in the courthouse parking lot at Fourth and James streets. Check-in is at 5 p.m. for those who want to show off a beauty, and a People's Choice award will be given each week.

The Geneva History Center at 113 S. Third St., and Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, are offering a walking tour of the area July 31.

And Citizen Kane, Graham's 318, Carlson's Fine Rugs and Floor Coverings and Galena Cellars have live entertainment.

But why Thursday?

"We've always kind of viewed it (Thursday night) as kind of a kickoff to the weekend," said Dellutri.

There are fliers for the event at businesses throughout downtown, and at the Web site www.geneva.il.us/events/whatsnews.htm