The sights and sounds of the island will fill downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m. July 26 for the Food Truck Thursday Downtown Luau.

The monthly, seasonal event features more than 20 food trucks, late night shopping downtown, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, local musicians and a fun theme each month.

“The Downtown Luau has been one of our most beloved themes, so we brought it back again this year,” said Sheila Giannelli, President of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Food Truck Thursday committee co-chair.

Also back by popular demand is the hula hoop contest. All ages are encouraged to participate in the hula hoop contests at the stage at 7:30 p.m. Every contestant will go home with a prize, while winners will receive grand prizes.

The Aviators, a classic rock band out of Tulsa, will be performing on stage all night long to entertain crowds with popular cover songs.

“We’re excited to bring the Aviators back. They always get the crowd going,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director and event committee co-chair. “We hear a lot of compliments on the music when the Aviators are in town.”

At the free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, kids can play pineapple bowling, volleyball and other beach-like activities. The church also always offers a free snack for all kids in the Kids Zone. Parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the games and fun activities.

Volunteers for Youth’s TSET Healthy Living Program is sponsoring a free cooking demonstration with items available for purchase at a farmer’s market booth nearby. There also will be a dunk tank to benefit the Claremore High School Band.

Most shops will remain open throughout the event while other vendors will be in the streets to add to the shopping variety. The Main Street Tavern will be selling low-point beer, and Studio B Artworks will be offering face painting.

Food trucks include Alpha Grill, Blue Boys Soul Food, Breenie’Z Soft Pretzel, Curbside Comfort, Dave’s Smoke Shack, Dorothy’s Wiches, Frigid Whips & More, The Grillin’ Shack, Hot Mess BBQ, Jack’s Ice Cream, Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn, MooChewSooey BBQ, Moose Trax, My Baby Can Cook, Potlickers, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Taqueria El Jarocho and Wild Al’s.

Food Truck Thursday is a monthly, seasonal event in downtown Claremore hosted by the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Claremore Main Street. Both organizations strive to improve downtown Claremore and reignite the area as the social core of the community.

Upcoming dates for Food Truck Thursday are August 30, September 27 and October 25. Each month will feature a different theme.

Food Truck Thursday was named the 2018 Best Premier Special Event Over 1,000 Attendees by the Oklahoma Main Street Center.

Food Truck Thursday is made possible thanks to its community support and sponsors, including Season Signature Sponsor Midtown Rentals and numerous major and supporting sponsors. July is sponsored by BancFirst.

Nonfood vendors who would like to set up a booth should email Jennifer Kincade at . Space for food trucks is completely booked for the season.

Get all the latest about the Food Truck Thursday season by liking and following the Food Truck Thursday Facebook page!

Exclusively for the summer, select downtown Claremore stores and businesses will extend business hours into the evenings on Thursdays.

Participating businesses will remain open until 7 p.m. or later on Thursdays in July and August.

“A lot of customers were telling us they loved shopping downtown, but found it hard to go during the weekday because of work schedules,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street.

Together, Main Street and the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association decided to solve that problem – for nine weeks at least – with a Shop Late Thursdays initiative. The public is encouraged to make use of this limited weekday extension while it lasts.

“After work, come out and shop your favorite stores with us and then go grab a bite to eat at any of our downtown restaurants,” Jackson said.

Participating businesses may vary by week but include: Art Nest Boutique & Studio, Blooms on the Blvd., Coleman Antiques, CrossFit Parts Unknown, The District on Main, The Farmhaus, The Haberdashery, Homeward Bound, LoliPop A Sweet Boutique, Main Street Mercantile (formerly Cozy Cottage), Rhapsody Boutique & Spa and Thrift Harbor. Restaurants include Boomarang Diner, Doe’s Eat Place, Dot’s Café and the Main Street Tavern.