MONROE - Summer festivities in downtown Monroe are nearly ready to launch.
Main Street Monroe announced the theme for the season, which encapsulates all things beyond the atmosphere. "Space: Mission Downtown Monroe" will officially kick off June 2 as the celebrations have in past years.
But this year, Executive Director Jordan Nordby said the focus on space might also provide a more educational opportunity for young and old people alike. It ties into the 60th anniversary of NASA.
"We didn't want to go directly into 'Star Wars' or 'Star Trek' ... I think it'll be a little more open-ended," Nordby said, indicating that the committee which organizes the annual theme was dedicated in its endeavor to provide a theme that's never been used before.
He noted that space can incorporate a number of different ideas, adding to the appeal of the event for all involved.
Children will take part in family-friendly, interactive activities in early June as part of the event, which also highlights carvings created by Zoli's Woodcarving of Monroe. But this year, it will be a bit different, Nordby said, because local business Buehler Interiors will be working with the group to provide an interactive display on the Green County Courthouse lawn.
"Obviously, the goal is to bring people downtown," Nordby said. "We're excited about this year's theme. It allows the stores to go whatever way they might want to go."
Pony rides and a variety of booths are scheduled for the June event, while others are still being finalized.
A list of carvings has already been composed but could always change. Nordby said if a sponsor felt like another idea was better suited, Zoli's and Main Street are both "flexible."
Currently, Fudgeraiser, Charlie's Bark Park and some individuals through Suisse Haus have committed to sponsorship, but Nordby said the program continues to seek sponsors.
The downtown display will have 14 carvings this year. Some include Marvin the Martian and the robot from the TV series "Lost in Space."
Main Street Monroe announced the theme for the season, which encapsulates all things beyond the atmosphere. "Space: Mission Downtown Monroe" will officially kick off June 2 as the celebrations have in past years.
But this year, Executive Director Jordan Nordby said the focus on space might also provide a more educational opportunity for young and old people alike. It ties into the 60th anniversary of NASA.
"We didn't want to go directly into 'Star Wars' or 'Star Trek' ... I think it'll be a little more open-ended," Nordby said, indicating that the committee which organizes the annual theme was dedicated in its endeavor to provide a theme that's never been used before.
He noted that space can incorporate a number of different ideas, adding to the appeal of the event for all involved.
Children will take part in family-friendly, interactive activities in early June as part of the event, which also highlights carvings created by Zoli's Woodcarving of Monroe. But this year, it will be a bit different, Nordby said, because local business Buehler Interiors will be working with the group to provide an interactive display on the Green County Courthouse lawn.
"Obviously, the goal is to bring people downtown," Nordby said. "We're excited about this year's theme. It allows the stores to go whatever way they might want to go."
Pony rides and a variety of booths are scheduled for the June event, while others are still being finalized.
A list of carvings has already been composed but could always change. Nordby said if a sponsor felt like another idea was better suited, Zoli's and Main Street are both "flexible."
Currently, Fudgeraiser, Charlie's Bark Park and some individuals through Suisse Haus have committed to sponsorship, but Nordby said the program continues to seek sponsors.
The downtown display will have 14 carvings this year. Some include Marvin the Martian and the robot from the TV series "Lost in Space."