Let’s have more events downtown

With all the complaining and disagreements I’m hearing about downtown and the plans for the city, something has been done right, namely the downtown football kickoff rally held downtown Friday night which drew over 1,000 people.

Since the event, I’ve heard nothing but good things and suggestions that we do something like that more regularly, perhaps even once a week in our remodeled downtown area. Anytime I hear a buzz which is so positive, seeing you usually can’t even find family to agree on things, let alone a city full of people, I figured it was worthy of passing on.

Plus, I agree with the suggestion. We’ve spent millions on restoring downtown to its present state so why not take full advantage of it. Some people I talked to said this was the first time they’ve really slowed down and took the time to look at the new face of downtown McMinnville. Sure, we have events down there like the Fourth of July celebration and Autumn Street Fair, but those are held during the day when it is generally hot so folks don’t linger for hours like they did at the football rally.

A night-time event provides the cool of the evening perfect for just hanging out, listening to music, talking to old friends and strolling the downtown area. Downtown also takes on a different look with the lighting, something you don’t see much unless you’re just cutting through town late at night. And no, doing it elsewhere doesn’t have the same feel. The West Lawn of Security Federal is fine for movies and even Main Street Live, but it just isn’t the same.

Now I’m not suggesting move Main Street Live downtown every week seeing that would likely bring all kinds of logistical problems. Plus, doing things downtown every week would likely burn out the special nature of it. However, doing something downtown once a month with weather permitting would go over big. Why should we?

Well, first it gives folks a chance to experience downtown, folks who otherwise likely won’t take the time to discover what businesses are down there. It also gives a chance for businesses to get after-hours customers, especially restaurants downtown where folks migrate after the downtown events.

It can also provide a place for non-profit and church organizations to raise money with booths and concession stands. It would also be a place for organizations to offer up information on their events, a place for leagues and clubs to sign up members, or even a place for politicians to hit up their constituents in one central location.

If you were to do it once a month from April through October, you could pretty well find a theme for each event, ranging from spring fever in April to a night-time fall festival in October.

As far as problems, it would entail blocking off the street the night of the event and allowing booths to be set up. You would have to provide a stage (flat-bed trailer) and power for the band along with a few officers for security and extra clean up which could be handled by civic organizations or even Scout groups. It’s not a bank buster. Actually, it’s quite the contrary. I think businesses downtown would make money off the deal once people got used to spending an evening downtown, if nothing else in free advertising.

Hey, I say if you’ve found something the people like, go ahead and try it out this next year. Lay out a plan of events and begin promoting them or perhaps even try one more this year to see how it goes. I say give the people what they want.

Duane Sherrill is a reporter for the Standard. He can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].