Celebrate the Rose District in Southern Summer Style

White Linen Night returns for a second year as downtown Broken Arrow continues to grow.

Break out your lightest linen outfit and spend a breezy evening in Rose District. White Linen Night: A Summer Celebration draws inspiration from the French Quarter to present an event that will beat the heat and bring a smile to faces.

“White linen was the traditional clothing in the South during hot summer months back when most people did not have air conditioning,” says Gregory Bridges of the Broken Arrow Main Street Merchants Association. “We want to capture the down-home, small-town feel of a traditional Southern block party right here on Main Street!”

The event recalls a time when shade and reflective colors were the only respite from the notorious southern summer heat. In the ’90s, many urban areas across the Sun Belt repurposed the tradition as a vehicle to spur interest in economic sectors that had found new life as art districts. Last year, the Broken Arrow Main Street Merchants Association introduced the idea to the community as part of a larger campaign to unveil the newly-christened Rose District to the public.
Over the past year or so, the Rose District has grown up and filled out. Main Street is no longer the half-full/half-empty avenue it was a few years ago. While revitalization efforts are still underway, many milestones have been met. The result is a boulevard perfect for hosting street festivals and sidewalk strolls.

Nearly every storefront has received a face lift of some sort, and new businesses have sprouted up. A handful of lots have started over completely, providing a blank canvas for entrepreneurs to move in and do what they do best. Restaurants such as The Rooftop, In the Raw and Andolini’s Pizza help give the Rose District a distinctly upscale feel. Meanwhile, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, Pinot’s Palette, David Nunnely and Your Design anchor the arts scene. Stogies and Main Street Tavern, just to name a couple, entice passersby with the promise of fresh libations. Fitness fans will find Fleet Feet and Spoke House Bicycles. And, it seems like every month brings an announcement of a new neighbor moving into the district. In short, the Rose District’s new growth is already blooming and ready to be enjoyed. White Linen Night presents a timely opportunity to experience the new face of downtown Broken Arrow.

Plus, the event is free for all and family friendly. Attendees are encouraged to wear white linen (or cotton) and prepare for fun the whole family can enjoy. Entertainment and food will be plentiful throughout the evening. Local musicians will provide entertainment while artists and vendors showcase their wares out on the street. Curbside, art galleries will be open to the public, inviting attendees to take in the latest productions by Broken Arrow’s growing art scene. Food trucks will also be on hand, expanding dining options, and Rose District businesses will stay open late for the occasion.

Make plans to hit Main Street in your white linen outfit and join the fun. The celebration is set for Saturday, August 15, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.