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Most days, Sunnyvale's S. Murphy Avenue resembles the typical downtown, with shoppers leisurely strolling through the variety of shops and restaurants. But on Wednesday nights, the area is transformed into a summertime celebration, thanks to the Downtown Association's annual Sunnyvale Summer Series, also known as Music and Market.
The street fills with food booths, vendors, live bands and a farmers market.
"The point is to give businesses a chance to bring people to downtown," said Chamber of Commerce program manager Cassandra Nash. "To get people to shop Sunnyvale is our No. 1 goal."
The series has been meeting that goal since it first started five years ago.
"Sales are good," Nash said. "The businesses are doing well, and restaurants are doing excellent."
This year, the Summer Series has seen even greater success than usual.
"This has been one of the best years yet," Nash said. "It's been packed every week." She estimates about 2,000 people attend the event each week, which begins at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m.
One reason for the series' popularity has been the introduction of a car show. On certain weeks, classic, collectible and muscle cars are put on display during the event. On July 21, 11 Sunnyvale Auto Row dealerships showcased a collection of new cars, and on Aug. 18, the series will feature a classic car show with a 1950s theme.
Perhaps the best explanation for the series' success is that it's family-oriented. Visitors can browse through arts and crafts booths, sample foods at the farmers market or dance to live music.
"We cater to all ages," Nash said. "It's like a mini fair."
The Sunnyvale Summer Series runs every Wednesday evening through Sept. 1 in downtown Sunnyvale. For more information, visit www.svcoc.org or call 408.736.4971.
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Photograph by Leigh Ann Maze