StillMa

HELP PLAN & SPONSOR - SECOND SATURDAYS IN TARBORO

The "Informal Gathering of Downtown Businesses" had a good response to the 2007 Christmas promotion DISCOVER TARBORO so we’re gathering energy to do more events in 2008.

We want Tarboro to be vibrant and inviting to visitors. We’re thinking bigger and better so this year we need more local brains, talent and energy to put together some great events. We will now be an INFORMAL GATHERING OF TARBORO BUSINESSES ARTISTS & CITIZENS.

The first informal gathering for 2008 will be on Thursday Morning, February 8^th at 8:30 am in the back seating area of On The Square Restaurant.  (UPDATE: NO MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED YET)

Since we are just starting out, I thought it might be easier if I suggest a basic plan of action to our expanding group of interested participants and we could then all work together on details.

The idea is for SECOND SATURDAYS in Tarboro. Every month, starting in March (or April) of 2008, on the 2^nd Saturday of the month, Tarboro will host a slew of coordinated activities.

Here are some ideas:

1. Town-wide yard sale: From 7am to noon (at the latest), churches, non-profit groups and individuals will hold fund-raising yard sales. This is best as a coordinated effort where all participating add their names & locations to a master list that can easily be distributed to potential shoppers.
2. The downtown merchants hold sidewalk sales in front of their businesses.
3. The downtown restaurants are open for business and may provide outside seating
4. The Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center will be open.
5. The non-merchant businesses (law offices, credit unions, barber shop, beauty shops, etc.) each sponsor a local artist and use the walls of their establishments as a gallery to display the artwork. The displays will last all month, to be changed for the next Second Saturday. These businesses may choose to not be open on Saturdays , but the "galleries" will be available for viewing during their regular business hours. A list of participating businesses and the artists they are sponsoring will be made available. It may be considered that on one specified evening (Second Friday? / Second Saturday?) a gallery tour is offered from 6pm to 9pm and each business holds a mini-reception for the artist whose work is displayed.
6. JURIED Artists, artisans and craftspeople will rent spaces in front of unused storefronts on Main Street (and perhaps spaces in the Courthouse Square) to display and sell their creations. A small fee of $10.00 to $20.00 each will be collected to help cover promotional expenses.
7. Local musicians, gospel groups and musical groups will perform in the Courthouse Square throughout the day and into early evening. Additional musicians are welcomed and encouraged to play on street corners along Main Street.
8. Depending on river conditions we may invite a kayak/canoe rental company to River Park.
9. A children’s mini-fishing "tournament" can be held on the banks of the Tar River at River Park.
10. Selected food vendors will be allowed to set up and sell at River Park to encourage picnicking.
11. Non-profit groups will coordinate their events (historic house tours, pancake suppers, fish fry, etc.) to occur on Second Saturdays and Second Saturday evenings.
12. The town common can be host to "Let The Games Begin", mini-tournaments of Chess, Checkers, Monopoly and Scrabble.

Expenses to be addressed are:

1. advertising and promotion
2. paid musicians or audio equipment rental
3. port-a-potties (the number needed varies )

Income sources are:

1. The participating businesses
2. The artisans & crafters
3. Public donations
4. Vendor fees

Any additional ideas, input, comments, suggestions, etc. are welcomed and greatly appreciated.