Queen Street merchants say Music Friday is successful, but frigid weather always means less street traffic.

"Music Friday has been bringing people out," said Pamela F. Kiehl, owner of the White Elephant curio shop on North Queen Street. "But tonight's cold, and some people are going to stay at home on nights like these."

So, no one should judge the progress of Music Friday — held the the third Friday of every month — based on last night, she said.

"I think (Music Fridays) run second to First Fridays," Kiehl said. "And Music Friday could become more popular in time."

Music Friday was an idea pitched last year by business owners in the 300 block of Queen Street.

The idea took off and began to grow, thanks to the initiative of not only business owners on the 200-300 blocks of Queen Street, but representatives of the Downtown and James Street investment districts.

Even last night, when temperatures dropped to 24 degrees, you could find patrons who decided to brave the cold for a little fun.

At the Belvedere Inn, where the David Newman Trio was playing for the first time, there was a healthy sized, well-dressed crowd enjoying the smooth jazz over cocktails.

"It's cold outside, but we were bored," Mazey Forester, of Manheim Township, said. "I'm here with three friends from Maryland who came in for a visit.

"You know what," she added, "a year ago I might be worried there wasn't any place for us to go nearby after dark — unless it was First Friday.

"I'm glad that's changing," Forester said.

For some merchants, the best thing about Music Friday is that it encourages businesses to stay open later.

Even the stores too small to host live music venues can benefit from the walk-by traffic.

"Music Fridays are definitely catching on," said Vanessa Reisig, co-owner of Annex 24 Gallery on Walnut Street. "People seem to enjoy it, and it definitely brings people downtown. It could grow in time, given the chance."

Others think any events that bring a night life to downtown Lancaster should be encouraged — especially with the opening of the convention center just on the horizon.

"Well, really, what are visitors going to do once their conventions are over," said Robert Meeks, a Lancaster resident who was out and about Friday evening. "They'll probably go outside looking for something to do. If all the businesses close up early, visitors will just remember the city as a place that goes to sleep after dinner."

First Friday premiered in 1998, but dwindled because of lack of interest. But in 2000, the idea was given a second chance and has grown enough to include nearly the entire, growing art community.

Music Friday may have a similar future — if given the opportunity to grow.

"The first time I saw a live belly dancer was at Spiro Gyros," said Ohio resident Mae Wilson, who was visiting Lancaster Friday night.

"It's funny because I used to think of the Amish when I thought of Lancaster," she said. "Now I don't know what to expect at all — which is good for business here because I'm always willing to come back and see what's up."

E-mail: cdifonzo@lnpnews.com