Though outdoor activities have been canceled for Saturday’s Downtown Party Night due to coronavirus concerns, nearly all downtown businesses have maintained their plans to extend their hours as part of Shop Small Saturday.
Sue Lucas, program manager for Crawfordsville Main Street, said “most” of the businesses downtown will be open late while offering specials unique to the day.
“There’s plenty of things to do as you spread out through downtown,” she said. “I see from the forecast it’s going to be a really nice day. All of the holiday lights will be turned on. You can easily distance and enjoy yourself with a nice walk, stop to get a beverage, get a bite to eat, shop and support small businesses during this crucial time.”
Lucas encouraged Saturday’s downtown visitors to follow their favorite brick-and-mortar on social media to stay up to date with hours, offers and other opportunities.
“Retail stores have some terrific sales and specials,” Lucas said. “Invite folks to come in earlier; come in early and that’s where you’re getting the best deals.”
Alongside retail stores’ extended hours will be downtown restaurants. Some lunch-driven eateries have extended their hours into the evening. And if a given restaurant typically serves supper, it will be open too.
“If you count everybody non-retail ... we have about 170 businesses in the Crawfordsville Commercial Historic District,” said Lucas, who noted the city’s downtown appears on the National Register of Historic Places. “If you want to look at it this way: Downtown is one of the biggest employers in the county.”
Certain events will still be taking place as well. Though the courthouse Christmas tree lighting ceremony has been canceled, visitors can stop by the Festival of Trees at Masonic Cornerstone after 4 p.m.
Additionally, Santa will make an appearance at Abbey Elaine Photography — but sign up fast because reservations are quickly running out.
But regardless where visitors stop to eat or shop, every business and restaurant is keeping social distancing, sanitation and facial coverings as a top priority.
“We want to create a welcoming and safe experience for folks. That’s why we’ve been saying ‘shop early, shop faithfully and shop local,’” Lucas said. “We ask everybody to wear their masks if they’re around others, and to social distance.”
Separately, a week-long food drive will begin for the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry. Those interested in donating may bring nonperishable pantry items to participating stores, including Abbey Elaine Photography, Fusion 54, Greek’s Pizzeria, Healthies, Hive Realty, Joshua Cup, In His Time Books & Gifts, Just Because Flowers & Gifts, Maxine’s on Green, Milligan’s Flowers & Gifts, Simply Rebellious and 3 Pink Poppies.
For more information, visit www.crawfordsvillemainstreet.com or visit the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crawfordsville.
