HICKORY, N.C. — The entertainment area under construction on Union Square needs a name, and the City of Hickory wants a resident to come up with just the right one.
Last December, the City Council approved a project that would serve the Hickory Farmers Market, Hickory Alive, Oktoberfest and other downtown attractions. The $285,976 area takes in the grassy area on the west side of Union Square. The Farmers Market will move to that area later this spring.
The project includes a low stage, covered by a series of movable fabric awnings that give the illusion of sails. The awnings can be modified to change the stage area to fit the event. It’s in the same location as the old stage used for Hickory Alive, the summertime Friday night music attraction.
City officials say the new venue can be used for outdoor concerts, seating areas for most events and an everyday gathering place for residents and visitors to downtown. Reclaimed ironwood from the original Coney Island Boardwalk in New York is being used for the stage and seating.
Officials say the area will not be obtrusive, and downtown Hickory shops and amenities will not be blocked from view.
But what to call this area that’s designed to be architectural art?
The city is sponsoring a contest to see who can suggest the best name. The contest will run April 18 through May 18. The contest will be judged by a panel picked from several local organizations representing various age groups.
The winner will be announced at the annual “Swinging Under the Stars” on May 27. The winner will receive a basket of Hickory-related gifts.
In the meantime, construction continues on Union Square. The steel poles used to support the awnings were scheduled to arrive on site this week. A boom truck is needed to set the poles, so the walkway through the construction area is closed while the steel is being erected. The walkway will be reopened when that work is done.
The road connecting the east and west parking lots will also be closed to separate shoppers and private vehicles from the heavy equipment.
The city wants to wrap up construction in time for the Farmers Market opening on April 28.
However, if you have a creative name for the event area, submit it at www.hickoryspeaks.com or get an application at www.hickorync.gov.
About “Swinging Under the Stars”
When: May 27, 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Union Square
Details: A family-friendly event where the Hickory Jazz Orchestra will perform a tribute to the Big Band Era and the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and other legendary orchestras. This year, it’s in honor of those who served and are serving in the military.
Sponsor: Hickory Downtown Development Association.
Tickets and other information: Call 828-322-1121.
WSOC
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