After a quiet summer as the COVID-19 pandemic caused closure after closure, Mount Vernon residents can finally look forward to a slew of holiday festivities for the rest of the year.
Anthony McNeal, Downtown Manager of Main Street Mount Vernon, told Mount Vernon News that supporting local shops, businesses and eateries is important all of the time, but now more than ever.
"Main Street Mount Vernon always supports eating, sipping and buying local," McNeal said. "Anything local is what we are all about. Any year that is our message, but especially this year."
Mount Vernon's small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, with most being shut down for a couple of months and a few even closing their doors permanently, either out of business or leaving their brick-and-mortar locations behind for an online platform.
McNeal said that Mount Vernon's small businesses have given tremendous effort to reopen in compliance with federal and Ohio guidelines, all the while still offering quality services.
"It's been a rough year," the manager said. "We have lost a few merchants, but we have also gained a few. We are looking forward to when this is all behind us and we can get back to some normalcy."
Main Street Mount Vernon has slated several events to look forward to this year, including the Fall Merchants' Market on Oct. 31 and the Downtown Rock Around annual square lighting ceremony on Nov. 28.
McNeal said that the events are geared towards giving back to the small businesses that have supported the Mount Vernon community over the years.
"Small businesses have been a strong backbone for the Knox County area," he said. "Cash flow for small businesses who were shut down was a huge problem. Earnings can make or break you being a small business, and being shut down for six, seven, eight weeks ... it's so hard to battle back from that. Some merchants have overcome the setbacks, some have become home businesses and some have closed entirely."
Businesses participating in the Fall Merchants' Market will bring merchandise displays out onto the sidewalks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will have their goods on display indoors as well.
"Start your weekend with a stop at the Mount Vernon Farmers’ Market in the morning, then show your support for our small business community before heading out for trick-or-treat in the evening," reads a Main Street Mount Vernon press release.
Christmas season goods will be available for sale throughout the central business district. Customers are encouraged to be mindful of social distancing and wear a mask while they browse the outdoor market.
The Downtown Rock Around will kick off the holiday season for Mount Vernon, and will be held in conjunction with Small Business Saturday. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with the annual square lighting concluding the day at sundown. It is hosted by Main Street Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival and the City of Mount Vernon.
Participating downtown businesses will offer kid-friendly activities to encourage the whole family to participate, and may also have gift and seasonal merchandise for sale.
At the square lighting ceremony, Main Street Mount Vernon will be joined by Mayor Matthew Starr and the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, whose band will perform Christmas carols from the Grand Balcony. The event will draw to a close with a performance of "The Nutcracker" ballet at the Woodward Opera House.
"We're really looking forward to these two events," said McNeal. "They're something to get out and do, but they also show support for our downtown merchants."
