Initiatives to bring life into the capital such as the “Christmas 2018 – Philipsburg Alive After Five” project are indeed most welcome (see Tuesday paper). Cruise passengers undoubtedly provide especially Front Street merchants with much of their clientele during the day, but attracting more locals and other visitors also in the evening can greatly benefit stores and restaurants in the area.
Events like the Friday block parties last summer can help drive business in no small measure and providing decorative lighting will create a festive atmosphere after dark. This can help bring people to the inner city in the already busier-than-normal holiday season.
Another idea worth considering could be what is done Saturdays in Tarpon Springs, a mostly Greek historic village in Florida known for its sea sponge industry. Called the “Wine Walk,” they issue a temporary exemption to the open container law that prohibits carrying uncovered alcoholic beverages in public for the downtown area.
There are central points where adults can buy a card for US $25 to get a safety glass cup that allows them free wine refills as they stroll the streets. The affiliated shops all have bottles of red and white – no refrigeration needed – in stock to serve those who enter to fill up, look around and hopefully buy something.
One could argue that handing out booze is not helping restaurants, but as it’s only wine, any other drinks, including water, still need to be purchased. What’s more, people will get hungry and the extra pedestrian traffic may in fact lead to an increase in patrons.
It’s only a suggestion, of course, but since many existing happenings are usually concentrated near the end of the week, perhaps a “Wine Walk Wednesday” might be appropriate.
