Another Musikfest has come and gone and again we all bask in the glow of this great event. It is the single most anticipated, talked about, reported on, blogged about, twittered event in the entire Lehigh Valley and beyond.
The growth in Musikfest is a testament to visionary leadership, loyal and dedicated volunteers and a grateful and supportive community. From it's humble roots, it is now an event that covers all the worlds music. It's has performances on more than just the downtown stages, I look forward to when it expands well into the South Side and onto the BethWorks area. I look forward to watching this greatest of events for our area become one of the must be at events in the nation.
I hope all who live here understand the growth that events like Musikfest and the other festivals in Bethlehem have done to benefit the Bethlehem economy. Not just during the days of the events but by the people who return again and again during the year because they are so impressed with our city and treated so well by it's businesses and citizens.
Last week I posted about how great Martin on Main was in Nazareth. I have heard disturbing reports that some downtown merchants were upset about the event. This is an event that brings in 4,000+ people for one day to walk past local merchants doors. How long days it take to get 4,000 people to walk through the downtown Nazareth business district? This event is an opportunity for local business owners to put out the welcome sign and invite new people into their establishments. If they did not capitalize on it, shame on them.
If the Martin company wants to move the event to my neighborhood, downtown Bethlehem, we would love such a classy, upscale event honoring an icon of American music. Ask the leaders of Easton, Bangor, Bath, Pen Argyl if the would welcome this event. I am certain not a no would be heard. Martin on Main can do for Nazareth what Musikfest has done for Bethlehem if it is managed right, marketed correctly and supported by the good people of Historic Nazareth.
I agree, his event is a great opportunity for them but they are so narrow minded that all they see is competition and loss.
ReplyDeleteI once owned a business on Main St and served on the Downtown Merchants Association and can tell you first hand that these particular businesses have stifled the downtown economic growth. All they do is challenge every potential opportunity that comes before them.
I think that the Martin on Main event could be what Musikfest used be and I'm sure there are many locals that feel the same and truly enjoy ed it.
So if these particular businesses are so against the event, maybe it would be a great time for them to take a vacation.
I am unaware of any petition drive. Don't know of any downtown merchants who are upset. Most did rather well. But if you have any specific information, please pass it on.
ReplyDeleteI understand that someone came to complain at the chamber office. I don't know who though. I keep checking. I was there all day with my job as well as helping at the beer tent.
ReplyDeleteIt's one day of the year! If the merchants don't want to participate, then close your doors and take a vacation day like the some Bethlehem merchants do during Musikfest. Our downtown needs some revitalization and it's always met with criticism from someone. Kudos to everyone involved in the planning and I look forward to our 2010 Martin on Main!
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