With downtown Chillicothe’s profile on the rise, two of its organizations hope to create a signature monthly event as they present “Third Thursdays,” starting on May 16 and continuing each month.

“Third Thursday” is being arranged by Discover Downtown Chillicothe, a program of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Chillicothe, a non-profit organization working with other civic groups to revitalize downtown.

The monthly event will feature extended hours for downtown shops, featured drinks and food at restaurants, and the ability for downtown patrons to “sip and stroll” as they visit the city’s heart of commerce. Family-themed events, cultural celebrations, and other themed events are also under consideration for the monthly event.

“We’re hoping to extend the amazing story of downtown’s revitalization to more and more people by giving them a specific time of each month that they can enjoy everything we have in our amazing downtown,” said Mike Throne, president and CEO of the Chamber. “It’s a great way to further showcase the effort of our small business owners.”

“We have an amazingly diverse downtown and it should be celebrated,” said Tiffany Baldwin, program manager for Downtown Chillicothe. “We want to bring people to downtown to see the amazing transformation, but also to help downtown businesses grow and prosper.”

“Third Thursday” dates for the rest of 2019 are: May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 19.

The “sip and stroll” aspect of Third Thursdays will be possible because of City Council’s passage of a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area in 2017. The law allows for legal drinkers to take a beverage on the go within a specific area and by following specific guidelines.

For more information, visit discoverdowntownchillicothe.com and downtownchillicothe.com