Now that we have had a taste of spring and dug out from beneath the snow, we are ready for the warm weather to begin in earnest.
When the sunny days arrive, so do a multitude of outdoor activities and experiences that draw residents outside. It is no different in downtown Mitchell.
Mitchell Main Street & Beyond is busy preparing for upcoming spring and summer events and working on bringing some green to downtown to improve the visitor experience.
The third annual Tax Free Shopping Day is on the horizon this Saturday and so is the chance to get outside and enjoy a day of shopping in the 29 participating businesses. It is an opportunity to enjoy some warm(er) weather and spruce up your wardrobe or home without having to pay sales tax on your purchases.
And, as we all know, spring leads into summer, which, in Mitchell, means tourist season.
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As we approach Memorial Day, there will be updates to the appearance of downtown with property owners preparing for the bustling movement of the hot summer days ahead.
With that, businesses will proceed with facelifts including new signs, paint or awnings and general cleanup. Some businesses have already begun the process with a new sign at Bliss Bridal and springthemed window displays at Bonnie's deKor, among others. A highlight of May will be the planting of the hanging flower baskets that add vibrancy and cohesion to our unique storefronts.
Lastly, the arrival of spring heralds the long-awaited downtown streetscape plan. The community has asked for changes such as green space, improved parking and a more urban experience.
It has taken many years and an abundance of fundraising efforts to get to this point, and we are pleased with the results of a recent study performed by designArc of Brookings.
They provide a unique outlook of Mitchell and an opportunity to change the experience of our downtown.
The design team has come up with a streetscape vision that instills a feeling of continuity to the historic district. Woven into the plans is a sense of character, a unifying element that creates a feeling of public pride and community.
The new design will do exactly that with gathering spaces and foliage throughout the district.
The full vision will be available in the upcoming weeks with an opportunity for public comment.
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Mitchell Main Street & Beyond is ready. The community is ready. Now we wait for Mother Nature to be ready.
