HOPE – Organizers of the popular "First Friday Cruise-Ins To Hope" are preparing for a return to the Hope Town Square next month.
But whether or not the town square will be prepared for the May 7 event is still up in the air.
The monthly Cruise-In features several unique cars and trucks on display while live music is performed from 5 to 8 p.m.
For the first event, the Columbus-based Night Owl Country Band is scheduled to play a mix of country songs, as well as Southern rock. This musical group was named Band of the Year for 2019 by the International Singer and Songwriters Association.
While there’s little doubt the May event will take place, there are no assurances the town square will be reopened by that time.
The downtown block that serves as both a park and a large outdoor event venue has been off-limits to the public since July 2020 to facilitate a $437,500 renovation. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the vast majority of public events last year in Hope. That includes the June and July First Friday events.
Although the Hope Town Council said they would reopen the park this spring, a majority of members voted against an April reopening last month. Their concern is areas of the park when new grass did not grow, so new seeds had to be sown recently, council members said.
In addition, several wooden slats have been removed from park benches. However, they have not yet been replaced with coated metal slats that were ordered several months ago, council member Clyde Compton said. Without slats, metal poles buried in cement could become a financial liability if someone accidentally runs into them, Compton said.
It’s likely the council will receive an update to help them make a final decision regarding the reopening when they meet again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20.
"It’s no big deal if it’s not open," Main Street of Hope Executive Director Susan Thayer Fye said of the town square area. "We would certainly prefer to use the square, but after all the construction last year, it’s important to get a good stock of grass growing."
When the Cruise-In concludes, prizes will be awarded for oldest vehicle, the Peoples’ Choice and Musicians’ Choice. While the event is free, food and financial donations will be accepted to support the Hope Food Bank and Cruise-In event expenses.
Visitors are being encouraged to enjoy a meal at one of the Hope restaurants that have continued to be open during the pandemic. Near the town square, that would include Cornett’s Corner Cafe, Tonala/El Jefe and Willow Leaves, Thayer Fye said.
"We did special things to help them out last year," Thayer Fye said. "For example, there were special handouts at the registration table that listed special dishes for the night. It got people into their businesses."
That assistance was provided when the August, September and October Cruise-Ins, as well as a Studebaker Car Show, were held last year.
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Five dates have been scheduled for this year’s First Fridays Cruise-In to Hope, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3.
Hours for each will be 5 to 8 p.m.
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