Eve put the event spreadsheet on the projector.
Bill sat in the front row, his arms crossed over his chest."We don't want a parade."
"That's one of the new ideas we're considering.I'm not saying we have to do anything this year?—"
"We've been doing this a long time.People come here because of nostalgia.They visited with Santa as a child, or they picked up a toy from the toy store.We don't need new, shiny things to get them here," Merry called from the back.
Eve stepped forward to stand next to me."Thank you for sharing.This is why we wanted to hear from you.My sister and I grew up here, but then left to pursue our degrees and then a career afterward.As you know, we returned after our parents' death to buy the town and the inn.It's always been our dream to run something like this, and we want it to be successful.We can't do this without your valuable insight."
The ones who'd been around for a long time weren't going to go easy on me.
"Maybe you shouldn't change anything.If it works, don't fix it," Bill said to several nods in the crowd.
"We're keeping the old events.But I think people expect something a little different when a new owner takes over.We suggested a parade because it gets the surrounding community involved.As much as we like to operate as a functioning town, the reality is that only a few people live here year-round.It's a tourist destination."
"It sounds like your mind is already made up," Bill grumbled, more to the people around him than to us.
"I think the parade could be good for the town.People love to watch, and then they eat food and go shopping afterward," I said.
"They're watching the people walk by, not going into shops and spending money," Bill persisted.
"But they will shop afterward.I'm hoping that the attendees haven't been here before, and they'll realize there's so much for them to see and do."The room remained silent, so I continued."The parade would include high-school bands, scouts, dance clubs, and other groups.It will bring in a lot of kids who adore in-person toy and puzzle shops, where it's easier to persuade their parents to buy."
Bill didn't respond to that, so I took that as a good sign.
"We wanted to see if you had any other suggestions for us.Most of you have been here for years, and I'm sure you've had ideas," Eve said.
"What if we coordinated a sale together?"Angela suggested.
Bill turned around to address her."I don't want to be associated with your store."
Eve held up her hand, and surprisingly the room quieted."Let's not attack each other.We're here to get ideas."
"If the shops haven't worked together on any kind of deal or event before, that could be a nice way of increasing visibility and sales," Eve said.
The room broke into conversation.
I kept my gaze on the crowd but lowered my voice."You think they like the idea?"
"I think this is something we have to do.So many small towns are getting rid of their parades.People want that small-town feel, and that's what we represent, even if we are a tourist destination."
"I'm probably going to regret this, but—" I raise my voice."Let's vote on it.All in favor of a town parade, raise your hand."
Clara's went up immediately, as did Belle's, Meg's from the coffee shop, and Reina's from the bakery.
A few looked around to see if anyone else had their hands up, then slowly raised theirs too.
Eve counted the hands.
"Now all who are against the parade in any form, raise their hand."
Bill's and Merry's hands shot up.
They were our toughest owners, older and more set in their ways.If we could win them over, it would be great.But for now, we could move forward without them."Sounds like we're doing the parade."
Bill's jaw hardened."What about parking issues and congestion?"
"We're open to any ideas you have about parking and keeping the shops accessible," I said, encouraging him to voice his opinions.
