"Each shop is invited to have a table or two on the street, and we'll shut it down to all vehicle traffic.But don't worry; we'll have plenty of parking.There will also be food trucks serving drinks, desserts, and other food items."
I was excited for this event because I could set up a table in front of the bakery.My mind was already racing with possible ideas for themed baked goods.A lemon cupcake paired with Meg's famous lemonade, and a hot chocolate one to match the holiday theme.
"Does anyone else have any other ideas?"Eve asked, and a few hands shot up.
I tuned it out because I was more focused on what I could offer and how I could make this event work for me.It was an opportunity for me to sell to new people who may not have heard of my bakery.I'd need to bring cards for catering with me so that people would know how to order in the future.
"We don't want to forget that this is a Christmas-themed event, even if it's in July.So pull out your best holiday-themed ideas and products to share.People will expect hot chocolate?—"
Meg's hand shot up."What if we did the standard hot version and then an iced hot chocolate to capture the crowd that prefers iced options in warmer weather?"
Eve smiled."I love that idea."
Meg smiled and lowered her hand.
"We want this event to be big, one that people look forward to each year on the same level as the regular holiday season."
A few people chuckled, but I knew she wasn't joking.Eve wanted to go big and make a difference in this town, and I couldn't wait to see how many people turned out for this event.
"There's a nationwide contest for the coolest small town in America, and I entered Christmas Town.This means that we'll need to showcase what makes our town unique over the next few months.If we win, there's a cash award that we'll use for upgrades.It's really important that we take this seriously."
What would that designation mean for my business?Would it bring national attention to what had to be one of the few holiday-themed towns in America?
After a few more questions about the festival, Eve ended the meeting, and we turned to talk to each other.Several people went to the back tables to grab food and drink.
"Do you think this will bring in more people, or will it just be a headache for parking?"Clara asked.
I raised a brow at her comment because she was usually fairly upbeat and positive about things."You're worried about it?"
She sighed."Who's buying holiday ornaments in the summer?"
"Everyone who visits here for vacation," Angela pointed out."We get a ton of tourists this time of year.And everyone wants a souvenir for their trip.A treasured holiday ornament that says where they visited is the perfect souvenir or gift."
"I'm just not up for it this year.I kind of want to hibernate," Clara said, and I wondered if we should be spending more time with her to see what was going on.
Why wasn't she feeling good about this new event?New visitors meant more money.
Eve wandered over to our group."I completely forgot to mention that I managed to get our town listed on Telluride's website as something to do when you're visiting."
"Are you serious?"Clara asked.
"How did you get Telluride to list Christmas Town?"Meg asked.
Everyone knew that we were direct competition for Telluride, but it had the advantage of a local ski resort.Now that we'd added the bakery, coffee shop, and bookstore, maybe we could finally keep up with them.
"I mentioned how people want to have places to visit when they come.A reason to be in Telluride, and a nearby holiday attraction was the perfect draw for visitors.It wasn't easy, and I've been working on the mayor for a while now, and I finally got them to agree.It's a temporary thing to see if it gets any clicks.So fingers crossed.We'll need to work hard over the next few months to stay on the tourist page and to win that contest."
"I think it's great."I was excited about all of it.Everything Eve planned would add to our customer base, not detract from it.
I was hopeful that everything was working out for me.I was very aware that it could have gone in a different direction.But right now, I wouldn't worry about the negative possibilities.
Eve smiled."I hope you're right.This is a huge opportunity for us."
"And I love the Christmas in July idea.I think this is going to be an event to rival our primary season.Except this one will be for the summer visitors," I said, and Eve smiled.
There was a general consensus that summer tourists were different than winter.Both loved outdoor sports, but one preferred hiking and the other snow adventures.
"We're tapping into both winter and summer seasons now, and I'm happy we could include it this year.If you have any other ideas for fall events, let me know.I'm open to everything," Eve said as she walked away.
