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| (Contributed Photo) |
And it’s easy to support this springtime resurgence,
as explained by Erin Haray of Estate Treasures, 500 Harrison Ave. Writing in this mont h’s Downtowner newsletter, she suggested
three things locals can do:
l Find
them on Facebook. Like the businesses’ pages, share their photos and events,
comment on their posts. Social media is today’s “word of mouth” advertising.
“The more you interact with a business page, the
more they will be seen by others and the more exposure they get,” she said.
“You may connect someone with a small business they didn’t know about.”
l Shop
downtown. This may seem obvious, but take a second to think about all the
different kinds of businesses you’ll find: salons, galleries, dance studio, arts
cooperative, cupcake shop, award-winning restaurants, antique stores, saltwater
aquarium shop, boutiques, music stores, skate supply shop, theater and Civic
Center, furniture stores, hardwar e
and major appliances, and more.
“Downtown is a community in itself, and you will
feel that when you are here,” Haray said. “Shopping in locally owned businesses
ensures that part of the money you spend gets filtered back into the local
economy. When you shop locally, everyone benefits.”
l Attend
events. Friday Fest fills Harrison Ave mont h
through November. Hogs & Grogs brings motorcycle enthusiasts to the street
on the second Thursday of each mont h
through September. Vintage Market, with its mix of antiques and collectibles, opens
the first Friday and Saturday of the month through November.
Downtown also regularly hosts other events, like
Festival of Nations, Oktoberfest, Dickens of a Christmas, concerts in McKenzie Park Panama City.com for details.)
“In addition to attending events, find out about
volunteering,” Haray suggested. “Some of the happenings downtown take quite a
bit of setup, takedown, planning, organizing, etc. Get in touch with the
Downtown Improvement Board (PCDIB.com) and find out which events need
volunteers.”
Multiple restaurants and shops downtown are now
hosting live music nights under the “Music Matters” banner. The musicians are
not being paid by the venues, however; they’re playing for tips, so don’t
forget to “Tip the Talent,” as the signs at each venue suggest. For more info,
check out Facebook.com/MusicMattersPCFla online.
“Live local music talent is being offered at several
venues on Wednesday nights downtown,” Haray said. “Go to as many as you can and
let others know about them — that goes back to sharing on Facebook.”
As Haray points out, some of the best benefits of
patronizing a small business are the personal touch and unique experience. The
shops offer items you’re not liable to find in a big box store or an online
retailer, and customers can count on receiving as much personal attention as
they desire.
Peace.
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