ROGERS — It was a first for a Main Street Rogers beer garden and everyone said it was about time during the 3rd Friday event in downtown Rogers.
The event also featured boiled shrimp with sausage, potatoes and corn. The 200 tickets for the shrimp boil sold out Thursday, said Dana Mather, Main Street Rogers event coordinator.
“We have a great crowd, much bigger than last year on the first 3rd Friday. I’m pleased the way the event is going,” Mather said Friday.
Visitors felt the same way based on their comments.
“This is great to be able to have a beer outside and socialize,” said Bob Webb, as he sipped a beer at a table full of friends.
“Downtown needed a little lift and I think this is it,” Webb added.
“It’s a whole new world for Rogers. I think it wonderful,” added Steve Roberts sitting with his friend Rich Brya at a nearby table.
“It’s great to relax with friends, enjoy a beer and listen to the music,” Roberts said.
“I’m glad to see Rogers is moving forward,” said Brya, who owns 3GD Inc., 214 S. Second St. near the 3rd Friday event on First Street.
“Rogers is coming of age. I have employees that have moved from Fayetteville to Rogers because things are changing. I think eventually we’ll have more entertainment here as well,” Brya said.
At A Glance
3rd Friday
Main Street Rogers officials replaced the Twilight Walk with the 3rd Friday about two years ago to draw more people to the downtown area. This is the first year Main Street has offered beer and a paid meal during the event. Other features of the event include:
• Live music
• Inflatables and games for the children
• Food booths
• Arts and crafts
• Specials at downtown shops
Source: Staff Report
As her husband Drew ate his plate of shrimp, Brittaney Fagan said she had a feeling the event would sell out.
“I heard early in the week there was a good chance there might not be any tickets available at the gate tonight,” Brittaney said. “So I came to town to buy tickets early. I don’t care for shrimp, but my husband does.”
Drew Fagan said he thought the beer garden and the rest of the event was good but did have one complaint. “They could have given me more shrimp. I could eat a lot more shrimp,” he said as he wiped his face with a paper napkin.
A short distance from the Frisco Stage at the intersection of First and Elm streets, the CW Gallery of Fine Art, 210 W. First St. had the doors open and the music from Leah and the Mojo doctors wafted in along with customers.
“We think the 3rd Friday event is great,” said Mike Newman and his wife Collette White, owners of the gallery.
“We had tickets for the shrimp boil and I sat down at a table by myself,” Newman said. “It wasn’t long before the table was full. Everyone introduced themselves and we had a nice visit.”
“We have more people in the gallery this evening because of the event. I think this great for Rogers and downtown,” White said.
Earlier this year Main Street officials announced that a beer garden would be part of the 3rd Friday events this year and the annual Frisco Festival later this summer.
“Downtown is changing. Most of our buildings are full and there is more to do downtown. I believe once people visit downtown and see what we have to offer they will come back,” said Kerry Jensen, executive director of Main Street.