Before the weather turns cold, you have one more chance to get out and explore downtown Manheim during 1st Thursday. October's 1st Thursday event will be held on Oct. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m., and it's going to the dogs - but that's a good thing, said Kristie Schmid, executive director of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Leashed, well-behaved dogs are invited out on Oct. 3 for Doggie Night," she shared. "Eileen's Stitchery, set up inside Horst Arts at 17 N. Main St., will be offering dog bandanas with your pet's name embroidered on it for (a charge). The first 20 will be free, compliments of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce! Other businesses and street vendors will have treats for your pups throughout the evening."

Adriano Sica, who Schmid describes as "an energetic singer and piano player," will perform in the gazebo in the square from 5 to 7 p.m. Spud Muffin, Walk-O Taco and Glory Be Farm will be set up on the square for dinner and snacks. Additional events will include a Blessing of the Animals by pastor Bill Long from St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 50 N. Main St., and Historically Haunting Walking Tours offered for free from the Manheim Historical Society at the Fasig House, 30 E. High St.

As 1st Thursday wraps up for the season, Schmid reflected on how the events that began in April were received this year.

"The success of 1st Thursdays is always weather dependent," she said. "We've had some months where the rain and extremely hot temps kept people away, and we've had some months where the weather cooperated and Market Square was bustling. We brought in some new food trucks and tried to mix up the variety a bit more this year, which people seemed to appreciate. The live music is also always a hit."

Looking ahead to next year, she noted that the Chamber plans to offer 1st Thursday again from April through October, and she encourages people to stay tuned for updates.

"1st Thursdays are made possible through our Stiegel Sponsors - AES Clean Technology, Blue Ridge Communications, Jonestown Bank & Trust and Utility Keystone Trailer Sales," Schmid said. "These businesses have invested in the Chamber and our community so that we can provide free live music and other activities, like the embroidered dog bandanas in October. We couldn't do it without them."

Hosting 1st Thursdays is an important initiative of the Chamber, she said. "These events are twofold. They are a great way to link our Chamber businesses to the Manheim community. Any Chamber member has the opportunity to set up a vendor table for free," she explained. "They are also a great way for our community to come out and support our local shops and restaurants. Manheim is growing and changing, and our hope is that people will come out and experience that."

She invites people - and their pups - to come for October's 1st Thursday. "1st Thursdays are really about community," she said. "Come out and see what it's all about!"

For more information about 1st Thursdays, visit http://www.lovemanheim.com.