Truckee Downtown Merchant Association’s 2011 design contest invites local artists to get their creative juices flowing and submit a design that captures the popular weekly summer event series. The winning design will be printed on T-shirts that will be sold throughout the summer.

TDMA will accept entries through Sunday, May 15.

Quickly becoming a feel-good summer mainstay, Downtown Truckee Thursdays 2011 will kick off June 16 and continue through Aug. 19 from 5-9pm. The summer event was launched four years ago by the Truckee Downtown Merchants Association in an effort to highlight and revitalize the town and underscore a ‘Think Local’ mentality. It has a host of children’s activities, live music, art, the Foothills Farmers Market, a beer garden and vendors of all ilk..

With free parking, folks stroll through the downtown district, popping into its interesting shops, sampling food and wine, listening to music at the train depot and catching up with friends and neighbors. Partnering with various nonprofit organizations each week, the TDMA provides attendees with entertaining themed events along with kid-friendly activities including a bounce house, arts and crafts and much more.

Last year the 10-week event garnered more than 7,000 attendees and event organizers expect a significant increase again this year. The summer-long event is organized and funded by the Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, through grants from local organizations Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, private sponsors, the Town of Truckee, and participating vendor fees.

To submit a contest entry, send the design by email to info@truckeethursdays.com or drop it off at the California Welcome Center located in the downtown train depot.