ORANGE — Brenda Anderson, co-owner of Trail Head Outfitter and General Store and coordinator of the Third Thursday Summer Street Fair in Orange, said she feels the event is all about connecting.

“There is nothing better on a hot summer night than strolling around downtown, chatting with people and enjoying each other’s company,” she said.

The Third Thursday Summer Street Fair, hosted by Orange Merchants Group, is set for today in downtown Orange from 6 to 8 p.m. Music, food, artists, crafters and vendors will line the sidewalks from the Miller’s River north to the Dance Studio and all around Central Square and Memorial Park.

The grand opening of the Booth Salon in Central Square will be celebrated with a live radio broadcast, raffles and ice cream.

Anderson said this is the second year that OMG has organized the street fair. Last year’s fairs were so successful that the Town of Athol adopted the model and created a “First Friday” this year.

Downtown businesses, as well as the fire department, will be open. Food trucks and restaurants will be serving as early as 5 p.m. to accommodate the vendors before the public descends on the scene.

The “pie ladies” will have something for visitors with a sweet tooth, and Coffee Cabin of Lancaster will offer coffee — hot or iced — to go with the pie. The musical group Legacy will perform in the park on East Main Street. An open mic will be set up in Memorial Park for those who want to share their talents.

There will be an open house at the Dance Studio on North Main Street, which includes a dance party for kids of all ages, and North Quabbin Antiques will be open with an educational display.

Thursday will be the final day to register for the North Orange Village Fair Unfair 5K and still get a free T-shirt. Organizers will be on hand with more information and will be registering people for the race. Some vendors from the Orange Farmers Market will be on hand.

“We want people to discover some people and things they may have not been familiar with, in a very relaxed atmosphere,” said Anderson. “These days, there is so much disconnect, and OMG is all about connecting.”

The Third Thursday Street Fairs continue through August.