On the brink of January 1, we may have to face it. After the final pop of EVE's fireworks, downtown life may return to normal, which is to say "crickets." --- It's hard to believe that for at least a month, the sidewalks have been lousy with humanity, just like in a real downtown. TRAX trains, bars, cafes and theaters have been similarly besieged by humankind, and this is a good thing.
What is better is this: The Gallivan Plaza holiday lights and skating rink. They're really something to see -- better than what the rest of downtown is offering (although the Grand America's striking white lights bear mention), especially when you factor in the indigo-blue tree lights along Main Street. Music from the skating rink wafts throughout the plaza and out on to Main Street. It's been inviting and pleasant.
The Gallivan's quirky little encampment of Occupyers with their Quonset-hut shaped tents is yet another new downtown dynamic. We've got Occupyers actually occupying downtown in what is so often a dead zone.