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First Friday stroll drew steady crowds; commission sets Tivoli sign unveiling, map and promotions
Summary
The Mishawaka Historic Preservation Commission heard that the recent First Friday/Museum Stroll brought increased foot traffic and business interest. Members set a May 21 unveiling for a Tivoli Theater sign, discussed a visitor map, radio/TV outreach and ways to better coordinate banners and volunteer tables.
The Mishawaka Historic Preservation Commission heard on Tuesday that the recent First Friday/Museum Stroll drew larger-than-expected crowds and enlivened several downtown businesses.
"We are shooting for a May 21 unveiling," the Chair said, describing a new Tivoli Theater sign that will include event dates and a QR code linking to more information. Commissioners asked the sign vendor to confirm placement and design details this week.
Commission members and participants reported steady patronage at stores and restaurants. One member estimated attendance "at least 30, maybe somewhere 30 to 40" people at certain times, and several downtown venues — cited during the meeting as Serendipity, Social Cantina and Sun King — were described as having been busy during the event. Mishawaka Antiques reported steady traffic and some first-time visitors.
Members said the event highlighted gaps in visitor information. Several commissioners recommended printing a simple map or list of participating venues to hand out at a central welcome table, and discussed using a single hashtag for social posts and possible check-in incentives to encourage people to walk between businesses next year. "Maybe there's a hashtag we could use," the Chair said, urging a coordinated online push.
The commission also discussed using local broadcast outlets to promote the stroll in future years, noting neighboring cities receive routine TV and radio promotion. A member suggested sending a press release and pursuing a live shot or promotional segment to draw regional visitors.
Banners and on-street signage were also covered: commissioners discussed repairing or replacing a torn Mishawaka Street Bridge banner and alternating commemorative 250th banners with veteran banners on certain posts. One member noted a $100 banner purchase for the stroll was handled quickly and asked staff to follow standard procurement steps going forward.
The commission agreed to survey downtown businesses about the event's effects and to explore producing a printed map and volunteer-hosted welcome table for next year; members said staff will follow up with logistics and a proposed social-media plan.
