The January issue takes a look back at marketing and attraction activities that will set the direction for the year to come.
One of many trends is an increase in alcohol-friendly downtown events and activities.
An increasing interest in wine and locally brewed beer is bringing success to brew festivals, pub crawls, wine walks, and other events focused on adult beverages and those who enjoy them.
For example, the Main Street organization in Gardnerville, NV, hosts a Thirsty Third Thursday wine walk each month from May through September that draws about 350 people downtown to visit between 35 and 45 businesses offering locally produced wines, food, demonstrations, prize drawings, and special sales and discounts.
Even events not directly related to alcohol are seeing increased participation when adult beverages are part of the fun. Greeley, CO, is one of many communities to allow outdoor consumption within designated areas.
Inside the Go-Cup Zone at Greeley’s Friday Fest, patrons may stroll from shop to shop or stop to watch street entertainment while sipping beverages from Go-Cups from participating establishments.
The full article appeared in our print edition. To always get the full story, read Downtown Idea Exchange.