Interested parties can get a conceptual feel for the planned downtown gathering space next week at Gathering 1.Oh!

Live music performers, art demonstrations, artisan vendors and a farmer’s market with produce offered by members from the Minot Farmer’s Market will be on hand to help guests envision the future of the gathering space with key components represented.

First Avenue Southeast will feature street food vendors and lead attendees to the alley for live music with a quaint experience to engage with the space and dream of revitalization. Although this is an all-ages event, beer will be available in both the parking lot and alley for those 21 and older. Recreation opportunities and lacrosse demonstrations will also be available on the Central Campus field.

The event runs from 5-11 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6 on the block between Central and First Avenue, east of First Street Southeast, across from the Parker Senior Center. Renovations are underway in the former antique building and the three-story building next to it to provide multiple business spaces. In January, the Minot City Council approved the block as the location for a public gathering space, part of the National Disaster Resilience Program.

Participants are encouraged to explore the area, enjoy the offerings and glimpse into the future, and maybe offer a few innovative ideas as to how to maximize the impact of the future gathering space.

Gathering 1.Oh! should be a fun, upbeat and energizing experience. It will certainly permit residents to get a sense of what the gathering space will bring to downtown – and its potential impact on a redeveloping downtown.

Don’t miss the opportunity.