In winter and shoulder seasons, is your small-town downtown absent of activities, events, public art, and placemaking efforts? Is the grey of sidewalks the most colourful thing? Ugh. In our visits to dozens of small towns for work, we’ve noticed one big difference between successful vibrant downtowns and struggling downtowns: Successful downtowns are activated in all seasons.
While many small town downtowns come alive during the warm embrace of summer, it's essential to recognize the untapped potential of these centres throughout all seasons. Transforming these spaces into year-round hubs of activity through events, public art, and placemaking not only enhances the local economy but also fosters a sense of community and pride.
Here are some reasons why your downtown shops, BIA or chamber needs to embrace the importance of keeping small town downtowns active in every season.
Economic Boost Beyond Summer:
Small towns often rely on tourism during the summer months to boost their local economies. However, a thriving downtown can generate year-round revenue. By hosting events such as winter festivals, holiday markets, or fall-themed gatherings, businesses in the downtown area can attract visitors and keep the local economy vibrant even when the temperature drops.
Fostering Community Connection:
A lively downtown acts as a gathering space, fostering a sense of community among residents. Events throughout the year provide opportunities for people to come together, celebrate local traditions, and build relationships. Whether it's a spring art fair, a fall harvest festival, or a winter holiday parade, these events strengthen the social fabric of the community, creating lasting connections between residents and local businesses.
Public Art as a Catalyst for Change:
Public art has the power to transform small town downtowns into vibrant, visually appealing spaces. Murals, sculptures, and installations can tell the town's story, create a unique identity, and even become tourist attractions. Embracing public art in all seasons ensures that the downtown area remains visually engaging, drawing both locals and visitors alike throughout the year.
Placemaking for a Welcoming Atmosphere:
Placemaking involves transforming public spaces into welcoming and engaging environments. It goes beyond physical changes to include programming and events that make these spaces enjoyable. By incorporating placemaking strategies, small towns can create lively, inviting downtowns, enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors alike, regardless of the season.
Diversifying Cultural Offerings:
Each season brings its own charm, and by curating events that reflect the uniqueness of each time of year, small towns can diversify their cultural offerings. From spring concerts in the park to fall film festivals and winter art installations, providing a variety of experiences ensures that there's always something happening in the downtown area, catering to different interests and demographics.
So let’s start making sure that ‘sidewalk grey’ isn’t the predominate colour and theme of your small-town downtown in winter and shoulder seasons.
The key to sustaining a thriving small town downtown lies in recognizing its potential beyond the warm summer months. Through year-round events, public art installations, and thoughtful placemaking, these spaces can become lively hubs that contribute to the local economy, strengthen community bonds, and celebrate the town's identity in all seasons. Embracing the year-round magic of downtowns ensures that they remain vital, dynamic spaces that locals are proud to call their own.