Alive After 5 keeps downtown Elon buzzing during summer
Summers at Elon University are notorious for being uneventful. But if you took an early evening stroll down Lebanon Avenue on June 27, you were in for a pleasant surprise. For the first time, the Town of Elon and the Town Merchants have partnered to sponsor Alive After Five in downtown Elon, a community event that features food, beverages and free entertainment for individuals of all ages on the last Thursday of every summer month. The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with the Elon Community Church Farmer's Market, which takes place on the lawn of Elon Community Church every Thursday from April through October. Live music is played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. as festivalgoers fill the streets while sitting in folding chairs and at picnic tables. Additionally, College Street Tap House and West End Station extend their services outdoors for the event, so festivalgoers can enjoy food and beverages of their choice while listening to the band. Phyllis Creech, director of Elon Recreation & Parks, said the department has wanted to put together an event for the community for several years. "In talking with the merchants [who operate businesses] in downtown Elon, they also expressed interest, so it worked out perfectly to partner together to do something," Creech said.
