The only thing hot in the district that summer was the area under the collars of some merchants who complained the construction hurt their business. Last year, an attempt was made to revive the program, but it lasted about as long as an ice cube would today at high noon at the intersection of Old Town Front and Main streets. This year, the city has stepped in as the Hot Summer Nights sponsor, a move that flies in the face of those who still complain that City Hall doesn't spend enough to support the district. We're hoping to return Hot Summer Nights back to what it was four years ago. City money is also budgeted to sponsor Western Days and an Octoberfest in Old Town later this year.
Tonight is Hootenanny night.
Lots of fun and games are planned for children, including potato bowling and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. It should be a fun family evening. The city is stepping up to do its part, but ultimately the success or failure of Hot Summer Nights, and Old Town, lies with the merchants who can choose to keep their doors open late and welcome the expected crowds or close their shops early and go home. John Hunneman is a staff columnist.