COLUMBINA – The city is buzzing with events, but sometimes it can be a problem for local business owners, at least according to Amanda Bowker.
Bowker co-owns Pewter Peddler on Main Street and took her concerns to the City Council last week.
Bowker said the city needs to pay more attention to road closures on Main Street and when implementing a community calendar, he would like to see events not overlapping each other as often.
For example, just last weekend Columbiana featured the Dying Reds Diesels truck show, a craft beer festival to raise money for Firestone Park, Columbiana Firefighters Day and Christmas in the Woods.
“While the events may encourage more business for some shopkeepers, not always for many.” She said.
She noticed that. “Poor plan”. Of the two separate events held in the city this year, she single-handedly billed her store. “Thousands of dollars.”
Those events were the chalk art festivals earlier this year and the truck’s show last weekend happened to be the same weekend as Christmas in the Woods, which is usually good for her business.
“I spoke to several shop owners and they were disappointed that no one was interested in attending the meeting. It’s sad.” She said. “I’ve reached a point where I’m personally frustrated. I believe in our city and I believe in our leadership. I’m not sure how we’re going to fix the problem.”
Bowker added that she has repeatedly requested that start times for the class’s First Friday events be adjusted due to low foot traffic.
“It allows stores to complete their regular business days without interruption.” She said.
She suggested she could use Sundays and use Firestone Park for events to avoid long road closures.
“I’m not saying to cancel events, but to make some adjustments.” She said.
Council members heard her concerns and encouraged her to get input from merchants about the community calendar.
Bowker said she believes most will participate in the calendar.
