Local business owners win approval for summer 'Third Thursdays' events and vendor nights

Cammy, who identified herself as the owner of Cams, and Cheryl Duncan told the Buckner Park Board they want to restart the community 'Third Thursdays' series in June and run three monthly events through August featuring local makers, music, family activities and food trucks.

"We wanted to start in June. So, June 19th would be the first third Thursday," Cammy said, outlining plans for a 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. event with local vendors, a DJ and free community activities. She said vendors are not charged to participate and described themes for each month, including a 'locally sourced' kickoff and a July mini-incubator for young entrepreneurs.

The presenters asked for use of a public parking lot with limited street closures and said an earlier year’s event drew strong turnout. They also described a community bingo promotion encouraging residents to visit multiple local businesses, with organizers handling outreach.

Board members moved, seconded and approved the request to hold the three Third Thursdays events. Members discussed logistics such as blocking parking, coordination with the park board, and whether food trucks (including Port of Sage and the school district truck discussed earlier) would be allowed; staff were asked to review permitting and any ordinance language that could affect temporary food-vendor operations.

The board did not approve any exception to food-truck regulations at the meeting; staff will coordinate permit details and return any items requiring formal action to a future agenda.