Downtown Grass Valley's Thursday Night Marketplace will open with a peace and prosperity parade organized by the Peace Center of Nevada County.

The celebration kicks off the weekly street fair, including the ongoing growers market, food vendors, crafts and musical attractions at 6 p.m. every Thursday through August.

Marchers will meet at the parking lot of the Del Oro Theater at 6 p.m. July 2, then start their parade at 6:45 p.m. through the marketplace on Mill Street.

“The objective is to give people hope,” said Kim Koons of the Peace Center. “By pulling together and looking toward a time of prosperity, there will be greater peace in our community.”

Costumes, peace signs and other symbols of peace and prosperity are encouraged. The group will sing “If I Had a Hammer,” and participants are encouraged to bring a hammer or a bell.

Brazilian dance troupe Samba Gostosa, jugglers and clowns will be among the entertainers leading the parade.

The weekly street fairs will continue with a free summer concert series, hosted by the Grass Valley Downtown Association.

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