Staff writer
Hillsboro’s downtown will be alive with art, local music, and food Tuesday as Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce sponsors a block party from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Main St. between E. Grand and E. 1st Sts.
“We just thought it would be a good way to get the community together for an evening,” Marie Kessler said. “It’s fun to see all the people come out and talk to them and get to know other people and the community.”
Kessler said that block parties were a normal thing a several years ago, but they eventually stopped.
“It got to the point where people didn’t want to plan it,” Kessler said, “so we thought why not do one big block party and see who we could get to come.”
The party will include a water balloon fight, sidewalk art contests, and kids’ activities.
As for musical entertainment, Kessler said that it is up to the community as to what is performed. The party will offer a “live jam,” where community members can get up and perform.
“We’re on a very tight budget, so we can’t afford to hire a group,” Kessler said. “We thought it might be nice if we could even get the college kids to come down and (play).”
Hot dog and hamburger meals will be offered for $1 and $2, but will be free for children and college students with proof of I.D.
Brookens & Boehm will serve lemonade, Hillsboro State Bank will serve ice cream sandwiches, Emprise Bank will serve popcorn, and Parkside Homes will serve ice cream.
Along with bringing the community together, Kessler also hopes that this will show Tabor students another side of Hillsboro.
“We like getting the Tabor students down here and introducing them to what’s downtown,” Kessler said, “and showing them that there’s more to Hillsboro than just the college campus.”