Summer Nights on 7th are done for this year but, judging by the public's interest and commitment from organizers, the 12-week event will be back next year.

Destination Rapid City President John Brewer said the community "has fallen in love with something to do" and his group will continue its work to revitalize the downtown area with events and pursue other plans that are taking shape.

We agree Rapid City residents and visitors embraced the downtown activities this year and applaud Destination Rapid City, the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention & Visitor's Bureau and the city itself for the commitment to making the events a success.

Utilizing the downtown area like Rapid City has done isn't the norm - it takes commitment, energy and money. In the long run, however, if it's successful, everyone benefits.

There are other events that take place downtown, such as holiday parades. These once-a-year events are also well attended and take coordination, planning and public support. We're glad to see the effort put into keeping them viable for Rapid City. But to bring people downtown on a regular basis, week after week, takes events like Summer Nights.

And fortunately, the energy being put into the downtown area won't end this year with summer nights. The Autumn Art Crawl started last week and will run for nine weeks, again on Thursday nights.

That event - made possible through a collaboration of local businesses and the Rapid City Downtown Association - will highlight local artists, musicians and shops. This is another good idea to bring people downtown and, more importantly, once they're there give them the opportunity to participate in enriching activities.

The ideas being put to use in Rapid City aren't new. Several cities see the value in revitalizing their downtown areas. Some of that is to compete with growth outside the city center; but it's also because a city's downtown area has cultural value and the unique atmosphere that can be developed into a vibrant destination for locals and visitors.

Rapid City is fortunate to have a climate that attracts development. Much of that development today is far from the downtown area creating a special challenge for the downtown businesses. Groups such as Destination Rapid City and the chamber of commerce, however, are spearheading efforts to keep downtown alive and active.

Will downtown become the gathering place for people to enjoy events, after-hours shopping, eateries and other entertainment? Only time will tell, but through the initiative of groups interested in the downtown area, it stands a good chance and is already on the right path.