Charity, representing Hot Spot Cafe and the La Porte Small Business Coalition, invited board members and the public to a noon ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 22 for a new downtown mural by Sherry Lee Charlton of Chicago.

The nut graf: The event includes promotional items and community engagement elements—a naming contest, signed prints and discounts—to drive foot traffic downtown and link the mural unveiling with a nearby Arts in the Park fundraiser.

Charity said the muralist is donating 50 signed prints to be given to the first 50 attendees and that the naming-contest winner will receive a larger framed signed print, $100 in local-business gift certificates, and a one-year membership to the Besneck Center. "We're having a naming contest. The winner of the naming contest will win, a larger framed signed print of the mural, a $100 in gift certificates from local businesses, together a $100, and a 1 year membership to the Besneck Center," Charity said. Merchandise including mugs, puzzles, shirts and key chains will be on sale at 20% off during the ribbon-cutting, and local venues will serve refreshments.

Charity also noted the event is planned to coincide with a plaza fundraiser: "Blue Sky Music is doing a fundraiser for Arts in the Park," she said, and organizers expect the proximity of events to boost attendance.

Ending: The board received the invitation; no formal action was required. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for noon on Friday, Aug. 22.