Despite pouring rain, more than a few people came out to take in Ely’s latest promotion.
Night Owl Thursday was launched June 4, and will take place on the first Thursday of the month, each month through October.
The event was started by Abby Dare, owner of The Meadows Art Gallery on Sheridan Street, in an attempt both to promote downtown shopping and community.
“I started chatting with a few downtown shop owners this winter and quickly got the sense that there was excitement around doing more together,” said Dare. “Our downtown businesses are beautifully curated and cared for by dedicated owners who put a tremendous amount of heart into what they do. Ely truly has an exceptional collection of shops, and it’s something we should be proud of.”
Sometimes the best laid plans run afoul of the weather, particularly in Ely, and that appeared to be the case as the downtown was hit with heavy rain just as Night Owl Thursday began.
Nonethless, a mix of visitors and curious local residents dodged the raindrops and made it downtown, where 16 businesses were open.
“I think for the first time around and with a rainstorm it went pretty well,” said Dare. “I kind of surveyed a bit after, and nobody felt any discouragement. Everybody had a little bit of traffic and some more than others.”
Dare described the clientele as “a mix of both visitors and local folks who had seen the ads, and there were definitely visitors and tourists who were just walking around anyway.”
The initial event served as a test run of sorts for what figured to be much busier July and August Night Owl Thursdays, slated for July 2 and Aug. 6.
“Everybody said once we get into July and August we are ready to rock,” said Dare.
Dare also stressed that the promotion is intended for Ely area residents, as well.
“We want everybody to feel connected to downtown,” she said. “My goal is really to invite both local folks and visitors. It is totally for everybody and I know a lot of folks work until 5 p.m. In a seasonal tourism community, it’s easy for local residents to assume that downtown businesses are primarily for visitors. While tourism is certainly important, our shops work hard to serve the local community as well—through thoughtful products, welcoming spaces, classes, events, and everyday connections.”
Dare called Night Owl Thursdays “an opportunity to shop, connect and experience downtown in a different way.”
