LEWISTON — The annual College Night in Town to welcome college students to socialize, shop and dine in the downtown will be held Wednesday, May 1.

The event, organized by Bates students and the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce, debuted last May.

“The goal of this spring’s event is to support the town and the local economy with an arts-crawl feeling event that showcases some of the best musicians and artists that Bates has to offer,” said Meg Murphy, a Bates senior who leads the organizing group.

“Our goal is to develop a better relationship between the town and the college through introductions, interaction and financial incentives,” she said.

A number of the events are open and free to the general public.

While most activities will take place in the evening, there will also be associated daytime events in Kennedy Park. Starting at 2 p.m., Bates Outing Club and the Bates Slackline Club will demonstrate slacklining, a form of rope-walking, in the park, and Bates Shred Club, an organization for skateboarders, will host a Shred Sesh at the skate park. Additionally, sidewalk chalk will be available for public use up and down Lisbon Street.

Evening events get under way at 5 p.m. The schedule includes:

* Free musical performances, open to the public, in both Lewiston and Auburn. Lewiston venues include Chopsticks Restaurant, the Lyceum Gallery, Pedro O’Hara’s, She Doesn’t Like Guthrie’s and the Lamey Wellehan Building on Lisbon Street. Lamey Wellehan will also display student artwork, for sale by the individual artists. Auburn venues include Gritty McDuff’s and Naral’s Experience Arabia.

* From 5 to 8 p.m., a free wine tasting at The Vault and discounted craft beer on tap at Baxter Brewing Co. for those 21 and older.

* Discounts at participating businesses and restaurants in the Lewiston and Auburn downtown areas for students with current, valid student identification cards. Though not required, reservations are requested and recommended.

* A free outdoor a capella concert will cap the evening, starting at 8:30 p.m. at Dufresne Plaza on Lisbon Street.

For more information, including a full performance schedule and a list of participating restaurants and businesses, like the Bates Night in Town Facebook page, or visit www.bates.edu/nightintown.

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