Kicking off August with a flurry of activity, Downtown Elizabeth City is alive and well!

In case you are wondering what there still is to do downtown, I thought I would take some time, and print space, to focus on updating on several of the downtown activities that are going on in the coming busy week of Aug. 1-6 alone. This is Coast Guard Week, so many of our events will have specials for our military. Make sure you thank and hug a “Coastie” this week!

Forgive me if I leave something out — my goal really is to encourage folks to come downtown every day to check out what great things we have to offer.

For example, Aug. 1-5 Serenity Studio Arts is having a Summer Art Camp for Kids ages 6-13 years. There are morning sessions, afternoon sessions, or all day sessions. The children will be doing special projects in painting, pottery, crafts, drawing, jewelry, even making hula hoops!

Josh Vela will energize you with his Monday and Wednesday evening Zumba classes, or join him Thursday evening for kickboxing class on Poindexter Street in the old “Clown N Around” building at 7 p.m. Elizabeth City Yoga is also now open for classes in the Virginia Dare Arcade Building 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 4-9 p.m. in Waterfront Park is National Night Out sponsored by the Elizabeth City Police Department. There will be games, vendors, displays, demonstrations — all on the beautiful downtown Elizabeth City Waterfront.

Also Tuesday night from 6-8 p.m. is this season’s second Music on the Green event at Mariner’s Wharf Park featuring music group “Just 3.” Then Wednesday night wander over to Coasters Feature Beer Night or to City Wine Sellar’s Wednesday Wine Tasting, and, don’t forget Logan Rayes Thursday martini night.

Thursday morning is the monthly Downtown Business and Professional Association meeting at 8 a.m. at the Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfast, then Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. Page After Page Bookstore is having a meet the author and book signing. Mary Flinn will be at the store to discuss and sign her book “The One.” Also all week at Page After Page all Coast Guard active duty receive 10 percent off their entire purchase and free coffee on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 5, is a big day starting with the DBPA Sidewalk Sale (yes, we even have new sidewalks downtown!). The sale will take place on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday evening is our First Friday Art Walk with several downtown venues hosting artists and refreshments for your enjoyment from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. or later. For instance, the Museum of the Albemarle and Gift Shop will highlight Ret. USCG Capt. Billy E. Richardson’s art and Arts of the Albemarle will have a special Coast Guard exhibit along with artists Kelly Cameron, Carolyn Sleeper, Alla Rossow, Betty Haar Salvo and Kirsten Durren.

Robert Kelly-Goss will have his paintings featured at Red Rabbit Art Gallery, Muddy’s will host artist Donna Colson, and EC Yoga will be demonstrating a yoga class. City Wine Sellar will have music by The Genesis Project starting at 7 p.m. Many other shops and restaurants will be open for participation as well — so don’t miss it!

Also happening Friday night is the USO Harbor Nights Concert with Ashton Shepherd brought to you by the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce from 6-9 p.m. at Waterfront Park. Ashton recently performed at the CMA Nashville Tour, 2011. The Washington Post says of her 2008 album “Sounds So Good,” “One of the best albums of 2008 of all genres,” calling Ashton “the real deal ... brimming with personality.” And, the concert is free!

Then to get you up and going on Saturday morning is the Downtown Waterfront Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features Military Appreciation Day, with lots of great produce, plants, crafts, food.

There will be raffle prizes for military members and a Flyover at noon, so wear your favorite patriotic clothing! Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is another book signing at Page After Page — this time featuring Joseph Terrell to discuss and sign his book “Overwash of Evil.”

Shay Leslie Boutique is hosting a Silpada Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Stop by to shop for that perfect piece of jewelry, or that perfect outfit to go with a piece you already have. Kathy will be giving away a special treat to everyone who makes a Silpada purchase. Then stay Saturday afternoon for the Sidewalk Sale and the special one-day showing of “Hairspray” by the Hurrah Players at AoA’s Maguire Theatre at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. (tickets $20 or $15 under 12).

Have I convinced you yet of the amazing LIFE happening downtown this summer? Don’t you dare say “there is nothing to do...”

Rebecca Cross is executive director of Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. For more information contact Elizabeth City Downtown at 338-4104, or elizabethcitydowntown@embarqmail.com.