LOCALS WERE making a sweet trip around town, attending the first-ever Chocolate Walk event in downtown Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Main Street program sponsored the event to bring folks in to see what local businesses offer.
According to Aimee Byrd, executive director of Fayetteville Main Street, 18 merchants participated in the event, allowing ticket holders to shop and enjoy something sweet.
“Ticket holders checked in at the Main Street office by members of the Youth Leaders Council. They received a wristband and a ‘shop local’ bag for all their treats,” she explained. “They also received a map and list of participating merchants and could visit each participating business at their own pace. At each merchant, they received something chocolate, compliments of their ticket admission. It was something different at every stop, with goodies that included cake pops, cake, brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more. Some of our merchants had special discounts along with giveaways.”
Participating merchants included Timeless Treasures, The Book Inn with Roma’s Petals, Kudzu’s Antiques & Home Décor, Beautiful Me Boutique, Mercantile on Market, Young Vintage, Rocket City Popperz, Artfully Inspired beside Java Road, The Skin Refinery, Lawson’s Department Store, Ivy Wreath Florist & Gifts, Anna Phillips Design with Puppy Love Dog Treats, Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio, Bumblebee Baby & Kids, West Side Antiques, Dragonfly Gallery & Design, Whiskey Rose Boutique, and Norman Furniture.
Byrd said that the program had researched hosting a chocolate walk and the benefits it brought with doing such.
“We have researched other Main Street programs and their success hosting chocolate walks,” she said. “We also wanted to host an event focused on downtown merchants. The merchants also had some pop-up vendors that set up shop outside their businesses, bringing even more people to the event. All the proceeds from the ticket sales go back to Main Street as part of our investment into downtown and revitalization of downtown.”
Byrd said the event was a success in its first year, and the program looks forward to having it next year and enjoying continued success.
“We sold over 70 tickets,” she said. “This will definitely become an annual event for Main Street. I learned much about what we need to do to improve next year. People in our town are hungry for something to do at night on our beautiful square.”
The Main Street program has a growing list of events that offer folks a chance to delve into all things local. They are experiencing growth with some events and looking for opportunities to expand on them.
“First Friday has been successful for us,” said Byrd. “It has grown so quickly that we knew we had to change it up. We’re moving the event to the first Saturday of the month. “It will be a longer event that will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That’s during normal operating hours for our merchants, and when people are out shopping, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”
For a complete list of events taking place in downtown Fayetteville, visit the Fayetteville Main Street website. GN
