Local organizers roll out downtown 'five-minute tour' video to promote Crookston City businesses

A locally produced promotional video that spotlights downtown Crookston businesses will play continuously in the Forna Building lobby and be shared online, officials and volunteers said at the city’s Nov. 16 meeting.

The 30-second clips, compiled by videographer Bo, feature short spots for shops such as Willow and Ivy, Whitman’s Candy Shop, China Moon, Brookxton Floral and the Grand Theater. Organizers described the package as a “five-minute tour” to orient visitors and residents to a block or two of downtown offerings.

“Anyone from town or out of town who wants ideas of what to do downtown can go watch this video,” an organizer said, explaining the second-floor atrium and grand staircase at the Forna Building will be available for visitors to view the reel.

Bo told the council he offered participating businesses free promotional spots and that the project was easy to sell because businesses did not have to pay for the initial production. “A lot of small towns, you know, you don't really think maybe your business needs video done, but now with social media and websites … it was nice to provide that for them,” he said.

Several council members and residents praised the video and asked about distribution and future additions. Staff said the video would be posted on the city website and shared on partner pages; organizers said they plan to add other businesses, including the art museum, to future iterations.

Organizers emphasized the project is intended to boost downtown foot traffic, serve as a low-cost visitor orientation and act as a home base for downtown information. The video will be available during regular building hours and can also be shown at local venues, such as the hockey arena, to direct visitors downtown.