HIGH POINT – The first Thursday of Party on the Plank started off with a bang – and a fear of rain.

But that didn’t stop hundreds of people from coming to downtown High Point to dance in the street and enjoy live music, food and a festive atmosphere.

Local resident Gwen Barnes was among those turning out for Thursday’s kickoff of the downtown summer concert series, which will run each Thursday through July 8. “The event is great for High Point,” Barnes said.

Because of storm clouds predicted to hover over High Point earlier in the afternoon, the decision to move the party to the Mendenhall Transportation Terminal on E. Commerce Avenue, which has a roof, was made late Wednesday.

The rain did not show, however, but some attendees said they were glad the event had been moved for the evening.

“I vote for it to be held under the awning every Thursday,” said Nancy Schrull, president of the High Point Newcomers Club. “The location provides nice shade.”

Steven Dailey and BJ Cobb, work in the IHFC building, both agreed it was nice to have something to do downtown.

Vendors lined the terminal in front of IHFC and the High Point Theatre, sending off good smells and delicious sights. Bruster’s Ice Cream and Mr. Latta’s Italian Ice were on hand to help cool off the crowd as they listened to A Touch of Class and The Part Time Party Band. Papa John’s Pizza and Taco Corner provided other food along with Concessions Galore, Hampton’s, POP Warner Football and C’s Little Enterprise.

Booths were set up with various items to buy: jewelry, shirts, hats and scarves. Port Southern, Emzee Gifts, the Piedmont Quilt Guild and World’s Collide Design were a few of the many retailers that set up shop.

The High Point Civitan Club sold necklaces with beads made out of magazines. They also were raffling off artwork created by High Point Central student Miller Heiman. All proceeds go to support relief efforts in Haiti.

For the following Thursdays in the series, weather permitting, kids and art enthusiasts will be more content with the event’s original location at the Neal F. Austin High Point Public Library. The activities for children and the art exhibition had to be canceled for the night because of the change in location.

Barnes, Schrull, Dailey and Cobb all agreed that they would be returning in the future.

“I’m going all six weeks,” Cobb said.

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