The community celebrations known as Downtown Thursdays are more than just an occasion for family fun in Brentwood. After months of construction in the historic downtown district, the return of these weekly events signifies a renewed focus on community as mediated by the downtown merchants and local business owners who participate in Downtown Thursdays and help maintain Brentwood’s longstanding tradition of community pride and involvement.

Downtown Thursdays, which began on July 7 and runs through October 6, have brought a welcomed surge of business back to downtown Brentwood. Becky Bloomfield, co-owner of Co. Co. County Wine Company, is one of the participants in the weekly event. “I’m proud to be a part of historic downtown as a merchant, and enjoy being able to help showcase it to the community,” said Bloomfield. “Our goal has always been to support the local community and its families, and these events do just that.”

First Street between Oak and Chestnut streets once again serves as the hub of Downtown Thursdays, held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition the classic car show, featured on the first Thursday of the month, festival goers can enjoy vendor booths, a farmers’ market, jumpy houses and face painting for children, meal deals from downtown restaurants and live music from many local favorites.

Events such as Brentwood Idol and Brentwood’s Got Talent will also take place this season. As merchants and residents fill the streets of the historic downtown, simple reminders of Brentwood’s core values are preserved through family and community.

For more information visit www.brentwooddowntown.com.

– Contributed by Nicole Bruno