NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The mile long block party Thursday to celebrate Hutchinson's sesquicentennial was a rousing success.
"Early estimates, if I were to guess, we had between five to seven thousand people," said Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. "I walked that mile stretch of that mile long block party multiple times. I put about six miles on my feet last night. My radar says we had five to seven thousand people."
Lacie Janzen with the chamber said it was great not only for families, but for downtown businesses.
"I have seen on social media today, and just in conversations, there were people in every business that was open last night," Janzen said. "Every seat in booths were filled. People were buying things. People were just out looking that maybe hadn't gone downtown in quite awhile to see the great things that we have going on. I would say it was a win all around. I haven't heard anything negative."
Teufel said the hope is that this isn't a one time thing.
"I've heard many comments that we need to bring an event like this back," Teufel said. "Maybe it's going to be an annual birthday celebration in August."
The Chamber, Hutch Rec, the City of Hutchinson and the Reno County Museum all collaborated along with the individual block party captains on the event.
High-res images are available here...