A few months ago, local business owner Daysha Amster revealed that the downtown Niles merchants were going to offer specials and/or events on the same night once a month in an event called Third Thursdays.

The concept is not new. Business districts across the country offer similar promotions, including South Bend’s First Fridays, from which the Niles event is modeled.

When it was first announced, Amster said approximately a dozen downtown merchants had signed on to participate.

Last week, Amster said the number of participating businesses was 25.

We think it is great that so many businesses are willing to come together for an event that should benefit everyone in downtown Niles.

The businesses have come up with some very interesting ideas, too. It will be fun to see how the pickleball tournament — put on by the pickleball paddle making company Paddletek — plays out on Second Street.

Amster, who owns Olfactory Hue Bistro, said she would be grilling street food outside her business as long as the weather is nice.

The community seems to be excited about the event too with significant buzz building on social media. For instance, a Facebook group for Niles Third Thursdays has more than 400 members.

We encourage everyone to come to downtown Niles for the inaugural Third Thursdays event this Thursday.

Downtown businesses have put a lot of effort into making this event a reality and we should reward their efforts with our support.

It also looks like it will be a fun way to spend a Thursday evening, no matter what businesses you plan on visiting.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.