The streets of Moscow will be full tomorrow as locals celebrate Moscow First Thursday and visiting Vandals gather for an event called Moscow Thursday.

The first Thursday of April is a day to celebrate local businesses and artists in downtown Moscow. The White Pine Gear Exchange and Fly Shop will be the host location for April’s turn of the monthly event. The night will double as the grand opening for this outdoor gear consignment shop.

BookPeople of Moscow will host a book signing and presentation from author Paula Marie Coomer. She will present her most recent cookbook, “Blue Moon Vegan.” She said switching to a vegan diet helped her make sense of her gluten intolerance.

“Once you eat mostly fresh and whole food, it becomes very obvious when you eat something that is having an adverse effect on you,” Coomer said. “I’m happy to have discovered it and to have been able to make the necessary changes for my health and overall well-being.”

Coomer said “Blue MoonVegan” differs from her first cookbook, “Blue Moon Vegetarian,” as the vegetarian book is a food memoir, health guide, and just so happens to include a few recipes.

“’Blue MoonVegan’ is a full-blown, full-color cookbook,” she said.

Coomer said she will hand out gluten-free bakery samples with her collaborator, Jan Calvert, and sign copies of the books.

The Moscow Brewing Company is also participating in Moscow First Thursday. Owner Lucas Rate said the restaurant will open a new historical exhibit.

“We are teaming up with the Latah Historical Society to put together a presentation on the history of prohibition in the Latah County,” Rate said. “There will be pictures and an oral presentation about prohibition.”

Rate said the exhibit would tie in with their event, Brews and BBQ, taking place April 11 from 4 – 7 p.m.

“We will talk prohibition, have a barbecue, and serve beer at the American Legion Cabin in Moscow,” Rate said.

In addition to the events happening in correlation with Moscow First Thursday, the University of Idaho and the Moscow Chamber of Commerce have planned a welcoming event for prospective Vandals. Downtown Main Street will be closed off for the event.

“It’s going to be a great, low-key event to welcome students, parents and faculty,” UI administrative assistant Kori Siddoway said. “It’s a great time to mingle and meet other people in the University.”

The event begins at 5 p.m., but students can arrive as early as 3 p.m. to receive a special welcome, Siddoway said. Executive Director Gina Taruscio said chili will be served in Frito bags for a fun, portable dinner. There will also be hot chocolate and cookies.

“When parents visit Moscow with their kids they are wondering where they’re dropping their kids off and come to the chamber asking, ‘What is this place?’” Taruscio said.

Taruscio said the University and the city thought Moscow Thursday would help parents get to know Moscow better before their children leave home to spend four years in a new place.

“We want students and their parents to fall in love with Moscow,” Taruscio said. “It’s a great moment to say ‘Welcome to Moscow,’ and show everyone the great town and university.”