An annual event returns later this week in Jefferson, but under a new name.

Cruisin’ to the Square, formerly Hot August Night, will be this Thursday from 4:30-7pm around the downtown square in Jefferson. Co-organizer Chuck Wenthold explains why they had to change the name.

“We got contacted by Reno, Nevada. They have what’s called, ‘Hot August Night’ which is a week-long car event, and that is trademarked. We’ve used the ‘Cruisin’ to the Square’ name in the past, so we decided, ‘Hey, we’ll just change it over to that’ and then we have no worries.”

Wenthold says this year’s event has several new aspects. There will be a “Poker Walk” promotion with Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Community Retail Revamped Team. People can receive a card, visit participating businesses, return the filled out card for a change at having the best poker hand to win prizes. Additionally, Wenthold says the 2018 Iowa Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee The Bushmen will be playing at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens from 5:30-8pm.

Food choices include a meal served by Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Community, with the Greene County Cattlemen’s Association grilling burgers and hotdogs, and the Jefferson Does will be serving pie, ice cream and root beer floats. Plus, Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio will be broadcasting live during the event.

Wenthold points out the vehicle show and concert are free and the streets around the square will be blocked off from traffic starting at 1pm on Thursday.