Thursday Night Live returns to Jefferson City after COVID-19 restrictions relaxed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (KMIZ)

Some summer activities are back on schedule after Gov. Mike Parson ended statewide COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday, including Thursday Night Live in Jefferson City.

The event is making its summer 2020 debut after the original start date was postponed because of COVID-19. It will feature vendors and live music.

The event's organizer, Angela Nale, said local businesses have been waiting a long time for this return.

"We have meetings with them before the season starts and, in the meeting, they were all very very excited," she said. "They need this revenue."

Matt Green, the owner of Bar Vino, said business has been slow to pick up since the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

"This will be a big indicator to us, as to how the rest of the bar scene is going to go through the week and on the weekends," he said.

Green's bar and other restaurants will have carts with alcohol and food available for event goers.

Although organizers and business owners alike are anticipating the event, they did say they are keeping safety in mind.

"Our vendors are all very spaced out throughout the block area, so that way no one is too close. We also have hand washing stations that will be stationed throughout the block," Nale said.

Restaurants and Vendor like Bar Vino are preparing to keep their employees safe.

Green said one of his concerns is the re-usable cups that event goers are given throughout the night. But, he said vendors have come up with a plan.

"All alcoholic beverages have to be in an event cup. Basically what we are going to be doing is that every person that comes up to get a drink is going to get a new cup, then the other plastic cups will be set aside to be washed and sanitized," he said.

Nale said 2019's June event drew nearly 1,500 people to High Street, but she does not expect quite that much this year.

"I think it will still be a good, manageable crowd tonight," she said. "Probably right at 1,000, if not less."

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of High and Madison Streets. Organizers and business owners said they hope people come out and have a good time and finally relax.

"I hope that it will relax people and answer questions that people had," Green said. " I think when other people see it's okay to be out without bad consequences, that's really the starter that gets people comfortable."

The Downtown Jefferson City Association scheduled the next Thursday Night Live for July 16.