Mid City Times

Eighth Street is set to reopen with a celebratory Unblocking Party, organized by Downtown Fort Worth Inc., on Thursday, July 25, from noon to 2 p.m. The street, which has been closed since January following an explosion at the nearby Sandman Hotel, will welcome back the public between Throckmorton and Houston streets.

Attendees will receive a complimentary Downtown T-shirt while supplies last. Additionally, the first 100 scoops of La’Creamian ice cream will be free, courtesy of The Sandman Signature Hotel. A musical duo will provide entertainment during the event.

Participants can also enter a raffle to win an Eighth Street package. The prize includes two Downtown Cowtown Segway tours, $50 gift cards to both The Archibald and Thompson's, a book package from Barber's Bookstore, and a package from Dalton's Hair Salon.

The businesses on Eighth Street between Throckmorton and Houston streets were significantly affected by the explosion and its aftermath. In response, the City’s Economic Development Department collaborated with the Local Development Corporation to provide over $137,000 in grants to four small businesses in the vicinity to help offset revenue losses during cleanup efforts.