Downtown Sparks playing host to new event Downtown Sparks playing host to new event

By Kayla Anderson

The Sparks community nonprofit organization, 39 North Downtown, recently launched a new year-round event that brings people together for good times and fun titled “3rd Thursday”. Exactly what its name implies, 3rd Thursday is held on the third Thursday of every month with its inaugural event taking place on May 16. The next event will be held this week on June 20 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Food, art, and crafts vendors will be set up in Victorian Square between Pyramid Avenue and 10th Street along with a free movie showing of The Goonies and a live performance by Hannah Jane Kile.

“3rd Thursday is a combination of the 39 North Marketplace and Last Friday, we’re taking the best of both worlds,” says 39 North Downtown Board Member Angela Handler. “It’s easier to (organize) when held one time a month and believe it’s more impactful for the local businesses,” she adds, noting that it also brings all existing businesses in Victorian Square together.

The event will also have a large focus on local art as well as specialty foods, chef demonstrations, and entertainment such as a complimentary classic movie being shown in the amphitheater and the Sparks Museum & Cultural Center being open to the public free of charge from 4-7 p.m.

Although 3rd Thursday is a combination of some of the nonprofit’s other successful events, the biggest difference is the focus on local arts. The Sierra Arts Foundation is a major contributor of the new event (along with the City of Sparks and Sparks Museum) and at least 10 artists showcased their work at the May event.

Americana singer Hannah Jane Kile will be headlining the June 20 event on the Great Basin Brewing Company stage from 7-9 p.m. with Northern California ukulele performer Dominic & Friends as the opening act at 4pm. Based in Sacramento, Hannah Jane Kile is a singer and a songwriter who can play a variety of different instruments. Sharing heartfelt lyrics centered around human nature, some of Kile’s influences include Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, James Taylor, and Chris Stapleton. She has opened for Grammy award winner Patty Griffin, blues legend Carolyn Wonderland, and won the 2014 KZFR Celebration of the Song and 2016 American River Festival Showcase awards.

“It’s (3rd Thursday) quaint and there’s still plenty of free parking, more than 700 spaces available in Victorian Square,” Handler says about the new monthly year-round event. “Attending 3rd Thursday is supporting local businesses and local artists,” she adds.