The Ames Regional Economic Alliance kicked off its second “Summer Series” event Wednesday afternoon, bringing brief moments of music and sunshine before inclement weather forced the event into an early end. 

The event hosted Campustown businesses, including Superdog, Macubana and a range of other vendors. Wednesday’s festivities also hosted local band Mango Soul.

According to the Vice President of Economic Development, Travis Toliver, Summer Series checks a multitude of boxes in satisfying the local community.

“Events like [Summer Series] are designed to promote family fun,” Toliver said. “We want the community to see Campustown as a family-friendly environment.”

Thanks to the event’s location, some locals arrived on foot, none walking more than a few blocks to attend.

“Campustown is only two blocks from where we live,” local resident Charlie Case said. “We love these types of events, and having them this close makes it that much easier.”

Due to lightning in the area, the event was cut short and forced to shut down early, but not to the dismay of its attendees.  

“I don’t think the weather should stop people from having fun,” Ames local Dave Wagner said. “It’s live music, and it’s free. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

According to another event goer, Stacy Woodword, the event achieved its goals.

“The goal is to show that Campustown isn’t just college students,” Woodward said. “We come over here all the time to shop, have dinner, grab a drink, and we love it. There’s no reason that the students and community members can’t coexist.”

The Economic Alliance hopes to continue the event for years to come. It aims to showcase the likes of the local community and its members. 

“It’s awesome that we have the support of our sponsors, and we thank them all,” Toliver said. We’re proud to be supportive of Campustown and the local businesses and the community that calls Ames home.”