News file photo
Downtown merchants, like Cricket’s shown here at the 2019 Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, will be part of Ohio’s Largest Sidewalk Sale on Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [request]
“This was our collaborative way of promoting the downtown merchants,” said Anthony McNeal, the Downtown Manager of Main Street Mount Vernon. “The merchants have the ability to set up a table directly in front of their place of business and we’re asking the community members and visitors alike to come and support our downtown local businesses as they show off what they have to offer.”
“Businesses will provide hand sanitizer for use by customers,” said McNeal. “Businesses will also be required to disinfect sales counters and outside tables after customers come in to contact with them. Maximum capacity will be enforced.”
Masks will be required per the governor’s recent order that went into effect Thursday at 6 p.m.
This event is meant to serve and provide entertainment for a community that might need something safe and socially distanced to do during these trying times. The event is also meant to be a boost for local merchants who have seen a downturn in the local economy because of the virus situation.
“The cancellation of the music and arts festival was a huge loss for our downtown merchants,” said McNeal. “Along with First Fridays, the summer months are when the merchants are the most profitable. The sidewalk sale was done to alleviate some of the loss for the local merchants. If we promote this right and advertise this correctly, I think this event is going to be huge for the community.”
In terms of entertainment for the event, Six Miles to Nellie will be performing on the balcony of the Grand Hotel during the sidewalk sale.
“The entertainment event will allow people to social distance and listen to the music,” said Trina Trainor, the co-director of the music and arts festival and the sidewalk sale event. “We are looking forward to that.”