By Savannah Vicker
For the Opelika Observer
The “2018 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk” will be held June 8 in downtown Auburn.
Hosted by the Auburn Arts Association, City of Auburn, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, the walk highlights local artists and entertainers.
The event will kick off with a community parade and feature booths by local artists and musical entertainment by the Auburn-based indie/soul/blues band Spoonful James.
Held in Auburn’s downtown entertainment district, many downtown merchants and restaurants will remain open after business hours. From face painting and parade crafts to live music, local art, dining, a culinary contest and more, the Art Walk has a little something for all age groups, according to event co-coordinator Cari Clecker.
“This is one of my favorite events in the city. It’s so reminiscent of the old block parties that they used to have. While there is a lot of people in attendance, it really brings the Auburn community all together, and it’s a great time to enjoy socializing with other families and other artists, and it’s an added plus that you get to come home with some cool handmade art,” Clecker said.
The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will kick off the event with a parade party starting at 5 p.m. Event participants will march from the center to the SummerNight mainstage.
“We have local groups and organizations that will be walking in the parade, but we encourage the public to walk with us. If you have a bike or a stroller or anything that you can push or carry, you can decorate it with parade crafts and walk in the parade with us,” Clecker said.
This year’s SummerNight theme is blueberries, and eventgoers are encouraged to dress in their best “blue” outfits.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.auburnsummernight.org or call 334-501-2963.