The Height’s White Linen Night attracts summer shoppers
A wave of summer whites crashed onto 19th Street on Saturday evening as couples, friends and families — some with white dogs in tow — turned out for the 10th annual White Linen Night. Record crowds, reportedly upwards of 20,000, flocked to the Heights for the popular public bash.
“We went through about 1,500 fliers,” said the general manager of the new Heights Theater, Steve Shein. “It was really cool to see all of those people out there celebrating the neighborhood. Where else are local artists going to get that much coverage in one night?”
The theater will open with live music in October. (The Jayhawks are booked Oct. 29.)
Hayden Jones lured an impressive throng of onlookers during his performance across the street from the revamped venue. The evening’s lineup included The Hates, dUNE TX, and dem, a reggae band hosted by Fly High Little Bunny jewelry store that has relocated to the Heights. Organizers scattered the musicians’ stages so that the live music was consistent as crowds traveled down the street.
Tented booths selling arts and crafts lined the street. Vendors sold fresh flower garlands and gourmet popsicles. And the stores and restaurants on 19th were packed to the gills.
Hurricane Katrina transplants Kay and Chris Thayer modeled the inaugural White Linen Night in the Heights after the New Orleans’ French Quarter arts-district soirée of the same name to help support local businesses.
“Sylvester Turner attended this year; we’ve never had that happen,” event organizer Sara Jackson said. The mayor was spotted in Manready Mercantile’s VIP room with the boutique’s owner, Travis Weaver. “The city is very supportive of the event on 19th Street.”
The plan for next year is to expand White Linen Night’s footprint by charging an admission fee.
“We’re looking to make it a self-sustaining event for the street and merchants,” Jackson said. “Fencing in that location, staffers and security all add up in the budget. If we infuse a little more money, we can do more throughout the year instead of a one-hit wonder in August.”