Approximately 450 people attended the first Hillsboro Nights event on May 29 even though the weather that evening started out a bit sketchy, organizer Curtis Strite said.
“We had some light rain with the potential for heavy rain at the start of the event, but we were fortunate that after about 5:30 we didn’t see any more precipitation,” he said.
Strite said things went well for a first-time event, and he hopes to continue Hillsboro Nights on the last Friday of every month through October with a special theme for each event.
The next Hillsboro Nights is scheduled from 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 26, at 902 Peach Tree Plaza Drive.
Strite said the highlight of the inaugural Hillsboro Nights was live music from the Night Haws, an eight-person jazz combo band from Hillsboro High School.
“(They) play everything from traditional jazz and swing to funk and rock music,” he said.
Several Jefferson County-based vendors were on site, including Show-Me Worm Farm and Sandy Valley Honey Company. There also were food trucks, including Cosmic Donuts and The Brunch Box.
Strite said the theme of the event was first responders, and the Hillsboro Police Department, Hillsboro Fire Department and Valle Ambulance District were recognized. Other special guests included Jefferson County Council members Bob Tullock and Tim Brown as well as Potosi Correctional Center recruiter Justin Ratliff.
Strite said the event would not have been possible without help from the Hillsboro community. He thanked Mayor Buddy Russell, the Greater Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, Express Mart, Full Send Management, Haberberger Towing, the Mangelsdorf family and North Dispensaries for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
For more information on Hillsboro Nights, visit hillsboronights.com or the event’s Facebook page.