Every third Thursday of each month, businesses in Downtown Hammonton stay open later than usual for a themed filled night of fun.
As Mica McCullough, executive director of MainStreet Hammonton, explains their objective is to support the businesses through events like Third Thursdays.
“They are here 24-7, 365 days a year,” she said, adding MainStreet Hammonton hosts 15 to 20 more events sprinkled in between the Third Thursdays. “It’s a time for residents who may not get a chance to come to the downtown often to explore and another way to support our amazing business community.”
McCullough said the Third Thursday event from 5-8 p.m. has been around for 10 years. The event lineup is discussed and planned at the beginning of the year. An art component is part of each month.
January’s Third Thursday was titled “To New Beginnings” celebrating the new year. Shoppers were able to enjoy new products and specials from the shops and eateries.
The third Thursday in February falls a day after Valentine’s Day, Feb. 15. Hence the title “Amore-Love is in the air!”
“We are paying homage to Valentine’s Day and to Italy,” McCullough said, adding the day is to celebrate love of all kinds from family, friends and significant others.
If you love Italian, you’ll love Hammonton, the description of the night states.
“The art component is the ‘perfect pairing’ of businesses that are opposites,” McCullough said. Opposites attract!
“The incentive is for shoppers who spend time at one business and get say a 10 percent coupon to the other business.”
March is Ladies Night Out – a celebration of women. Enjoy an evening downtown with your girlfriends. You deserve a night out!
As part of the art component, they will showcase artwork from women at the businesses, McCullough said. The month will highlight woman-owned businesses including boutiques and salons.
Between March and April, MainStreet Hammonton is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza on Friday, March 29.
April’s Third Thursday is titled “Show Your Creative Side.” McCullough said plans are still in the works, but they are looking to hold a forum for people to showcase poetry and music lyrics.
On April 13, MainStreet Hammonton will hold a “Cheers to 40 years in the Remaking” Gala – celebrating 40 years of downtown revitalization hosted at Tomasello Winery.
A downtown cleanup and planting and the Hammonton Arts & Music Festival is scheduled for May 5.
May’s Third Thursday is titled “PoochaPalooza,” which will see the return of the successful dog fashion show. People are encouraged to bring their pooches downtown for a fun night out. Their pooches can enjoy dog treats from a food truck you shop!
Cruisin’ Main Street is set for May 17 and Food Truck Festival Saturday will be held Jan. 8.
June’s Third Thursday is titled “Midsummer.”
An Independence Day parade is planned for July 4.
The remainder of the summer’s Third Thursdays will see “Buona Fest” and “Renaissance.”
September to December is chock-full of fun events with Third Thursdays “Fiesta” and “Haunted Hammonton” in September and October.
A Downtown Trick or Treat is scheduled for Oct. 19 and a Downtown Open House on Nov. 9.
November’s Thursday Thursday is titled “Game Night” with Small Business Saturday soon after on Nov. 30.
A Holiday Tree Lighting is set for Dec. 7, Third Thursday “Winter Wonderland” on Dec. 19 and a New Year’s Eve Bash to round out 2024.
History about MainStreet Hammonton
In 1984, the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce established a sub-committee called the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation (HRC), a 501 C non-profit organization, to address the dilapidated conditions of Downtown Hammonton. The HRC, along with town leaders, applied to become a Main Street program in 1992. On June 3, 1993, Hammonton officially became a Main Street New Jersey program.
