Summary The CRA is gathering input from community members to assemble a series of downtown events. The goal is to bring visibility to the downtown area by hosting specialized events that would not be found in surrounding towns. Marketing efforts would involve heavy social media pushes to Alachua and surrounding towns. Additionally, there would be a focus on print advertisement at restaurants, churches, schools (teachers and staff), Progress Park, Tech City and other large institutions. These events are intended to give the CRA an opportunity to partner with other Main Street organizations who may eventually manage the events. The CRA will work to develop and build the events with the end goal of passing off planning duties to other entities thus freeing the CRA to develop other events or focus on capital improvements projects. Below are some of the possible events that have been in discussion.
Taste of Alachua- Currently Alachua does not have enough restaurants to support a standalone event. The goal is to combine this with one or more other events.
Masquerade on Main- Delight yourself in an evening beneath the stars. Mesmerize the crowd in elegant masks and cocktail attire as you enter upon a scarlet carpet to an outdoor room sheathed in white lights and flower bouquets. Find yourself dancing on a checkerboard floor surrounded by sounds a five piece band. Enjoy a complimentary beverage and heavy hors d’ oeuvres provided by Taste of Alachua. Partake in a gratis enchanted photoshoot and journey amongst the Victorian homes of downtown in a horse and carriage as you discover beautiful downtown Alachua.
Ideally this event would occur in late February/ early March. If possible it would coincide with Mardi Gras. It must happen prior to rainy season and before it is too hot to be outside in cocktail attire. This event would be held at the intersection of Main Street and NW 146th Avenue. The City will partner with the Women’s Club of Alachua. A portion of proceeds from tickets will go to the Women’s Club. The club will be used for restrooms as well as a backup location in case of inclement weather. Tickets may be sold for $15 per person or $25 per couple. Ticket sales are not intended to cover the cost of the event. Ticket sales are intended to determine the number of guests for seating, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres and to provide a donation to the Women’s Club in lieu of rental. If this event is successful, it is possible the Women’s Club may take over management in the future.
Country Music Festival- Ideally this event would take place in October/November; perhaps on a bye week for Gator football. It needs to happen after the extreme heat passes. The event could take place in Skinner Field where the fence would act as an enclosure. The goal is to hire several bands to play from noon to the early evening. The City would work with local restaurants to develop an area for popup street food vendors. This would give local restaurants an opportunity to be directly involved in the event. The City would partner with an organization to serve alcohol.
Florida Southern Country Bridal Expo- The best times to have a wedding in Florida are March thru May and November thru December. The Florida Wedding Expo in Gainesville is late January and covers a large area of vendors. The goal of this expo would be to focus on local venues, caterers, bakers, florists, etc. Perhaps it is a good idea to host this event at a similar time of year while couples have planning fresh on their minds from the expo in Gainesville. Ideally this event would take place at the Women’s Club of Alachua. If this event is successful, it is possible the Women’s Club may take over management in the future.
Sadie Hawkins- This event is an opportunity to bring back a classic event and showcase the southern charm of Alachua. Ideally this event would happen in the Spring or Fall when the weather is decent for dresses and ties outside. Potential locations are Theater Park or Main Street beneath the flashing light.
Back to School OR Out for the Summer- The goal of this event would be to engage children in the downtown area. The event would be held at Skinner Field either at the beginning or end of the school year. The City would partner with local organizations and restaurants to provide food. Kids will enjoy an afternoon of waterslides, carnival games and music and will finish the day with a movie in the park. This will bring additional attention to the already popular movie in a park event hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. |