"Another good crowd makes a scene"

[Jason]

Another good crowd makes a scene

by David Chapman
Staff Writer

Following last week’s washout, the Make a Scene Downtown! party returned to Hemming Plaza Thursday and this week the weather held up.

Over 250 people enjoyed the latest party with music by Park Street, with several checking out the weekly summer parties for the first time.

“I really like the atmosphere here,” said Jack Bobeck, one of the first-timers. “There are a lot more people here than I thought and it looks like everyone is having a good time.”

Others can now be considered regulars to the parties and can actually compare the Hemming Plaza locale with the former host site, the top of the Water Street Parking Garage.

“Both are pretty cool,” said veteran Roy Carter. “Hemming Plaza has all this shade but the (Water Street Parking Garage) rooftop was more spacious up top. I like the shade, though.”

The party will return next week to Hemming Plaza for a final time before making its way to the Jacksonville Landing July 3.

Source: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=50281

[Driven1]

hey - at least the city is keeping this going.  it could become a regular thing like the Art Walk if they have the smarts to keep it up and keep promoting it.  i don't necessarily suggest changing the location every 5 weeks though.  that could start to piss some people off.  that is, unless on July 3rd, they want to put little fliers up at Hemming Plaza saying "Are you looking for the Make a  Scene Downtown! party?  Sorry you've missed us.  We have moved again.  Today we are at the Jax Landing."

[Jason]

Yeah, moving the party around might not be the best idea.  I wonder if there is a descent location in the Bay Street entertainment area that could support the party.  If it were to become a staple, the neighboring buisnesses would surely benefit from the crowds.  What better way to promote the touted "Bay Street Town Center" than to throw a weekly party.

[thelakelander]

I think they should keep it at Hemming and let it grow.  Its centrally located and we need all the events we can in that space to keep it from being taken over by vagrants.  As the event grows, it can naturally expand down Hogan and Laura Streets.

[Lunican]

They moved FridayFest to different days of the week?

[RiversideGator]

The Hemming Park location has been used in the past by DVI for a nearly identical event called FridayFest.

It continued for a year, after changing days of the week and then fizzled.

Probably because there were no real residents downtown yet except the small colony of us "Lofters" and it was prior to the advent of the Art Walk, which got people into the habit of a regular event downtown.

Hopefully this will keep up.  Hemming Park is surrounded by venues that can serve as a rain plan.

I thought you lived in Springfield.  Which is it?   

[Driven1]

good article actually.  but am i missing the part where it references Friday Fest?

[Driven1]

"The great thing about the loft is that it's so big, you can have a ton of people over, and it never feels crowded," said Dare's roommate Lutton. "Plus, if there are people in the living room, and you don't feel like hanging out, you can just go into your bedroom, and you feel like you're totally away from everything."

ok, i really LOL at this one.  earth to Lutton - that's true for any home that has at least one bedroom.  ok...off the tangent now...back on topic.

[Driven1]

good article actually.  but am i missing the part where it references Friday Fest?

It doesnt, River asked where I lived.

yes, he asked you to clarify where you lived during the time of "Friday Fest".  i'm not sure - you'd have to ask him - but it seemed he thought you had said somewhere else (maybe on another thread??) that you lived in Springfield at that time.  so - when you posted that (good) article, i was looking for a time-frame reference for "Friday Fest" - and found none.  hope that clarifies.

[Driven1]

i remember when Lorince came here in 01.  It's about time we get someone new in that position.  Shake things up a bit.  She has done good for a while, but let's get some fresh blood and new faces in Downtown Vision!  Could be doubly important with the recent economic slowdown.

[thelakelander]

Why did Friday Fest run till June, then take a break in July and August before starting back in September?  The event sounds like it was ran similar to Nicky G's hours.

[RiversideGator]

The Hemming Park location has been used in the past by DVI for a nearly identical event called FridayFest.

It continued for a year, after changing days of the week and then fizzled.

Probably because there were no real residents downtown yet except the small colony of us "Lofters" and it was prior to the advent of the Art Walk, which got people into the habit of a regular event downtown.

Hopefully this will keep up.  Hemming Park is surrounded by venues that can serve as a rain plan.

I thought you lived in Springfield.  Which is it?   

Your really interested in my personal details arent you?

When it was called Friday Fest, we all still lived downtown.

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/082600/dsd_loft.html

Sorry.  Nothing personal but my eye is naturally drawn to seemingly inconsistent statements.  I see what you mean now.