Upcoming Downtown Events are Businesses Opportunities

(October 6, 2008) Businesses throughout Henry County are finding that  downtown events are inexpensive, yet excellent opportunities to promote their goods and services. The Downtown Paris Association (DPA) welcomes profits and non-profits alike at upcoming events including the Downtown SPOOKtacular (October 25), North Pole Family Fun Day (November 28) and Santa’s Last Blast (December 19).

“Each of our events brings several hundred children, not to mention loads of parents and grandparents, to the square. By providing an activity that entertains the children, a businesses or non-profit has the opportunity to promote itself to the adults,” said DPA President Mike Key.

“I can promise folks who are hesitant to get out of their stores or offices that these fun events are beneficial on several levels,” said Key. “This type of marketing doesn’t require a big commitment of time or money to produce results.” This year the DPA is targeting people who have never used this type of marketing approach before, according to Key.

“Some examples of a great booth partners last year include Children’s  Theater, who had a bean toss and gave away free children’s performance passes when accompanied by and adult,” said Key. “At the Friends of the Refuge booth, children made flying bats, saw a real bat house and took home bat house building plans. This gave parents time to find out more about our local wildlife refuge and perhaps join the Friends
group.”

Between contests, trick-or-treating and the costume parade, there are many opportunities for non-profit organizations and businesses to bring one or more activities that compliment the schedule. “We’ll probably have a minimum of 20 booth partners for Downtown SPOOKtacular, which means lots of activities and fun, in only a four hour window,” he said.

All booth spaces and specific activities must be reserved with Mike Key at 642-9271. SPOOKtacular booths must be open by noon, stay active until 4:00 p.m. and must include a free children’s activity. The only items sold will be concessions provided by non-profit organizations. Tents are not required but are suggested.

The DPA has a list of ideas for groups or businesses that would like  to be a part of this year’s Halloween SPOOKtacular. For more information contact Mike Key at 731-642-9271 or any DPA member.

Photo:  Pirates, ghouls and even bedside tables come to the Downtown SPOOKtacular to compete in contests and have fun at booths operated by Henry County businesses and non-profit organizations.