‘Evenings on 5th’ returns to downtown Naples, a welcomed event for many

Dozens of people were in downtown Naples Thursday for the return of “Evenings on 5th” for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s an event businesses and people enjoy.

People downtown said they were happy to see something that brings back a sense of normalcy. And a bit of rain didn’t stop them from enjoying being out in public. It did’t stop live music from playing either. Performers simply moved indoors, where laughter and music could be heard along 5th Ave.

“Honestly, music, live music, smiling people, happy people, that’s what 5th Ave. needed right now,” said. Massi Tonni, with La Trattoria.

It’s the sound of being one step closer to a time before the onset of the pandemic.

“It was kind of depressing for a while,” Maria Barao said. “But it’s starting to pick up, and I’m so happy we came down here tonight.”

“Evenings on 5th”are back and appreciated more than ever before, even if the rain put people indoors for part of the night.

“Oh, my gosh, I love it. Oh, I love it,” Gloria Slade said. “So much action and the music and dancing on the streets. I miss that.”

“It’s so boring at home,” Barao said. “We need to enjoy life and get back into a routine and love life again.”

And people didn’t notice any problems with social distancing.

“We know it’s going to be not busy because it’s only September, but no there are no problems,” Mike Slade said

Evenings on 5th will continue every second Thursday of the month.

“It brings more people out, even if the weather is not the best right now,” Tonni said. “We’re happy to see live music here. We’re happy to see people dining.”