Main Street News: May 2nd

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAIN STREET!! Yes, that’s right, it’s our birthday! On May 1^st, 1991 the Main Street Program became a reality in Barnesville. It all started to improve Barnesville’s visual appearance and the business community. Now 25 years later, the program is still thriving! Without the support of everyone in the community, we wouldn’t be able to hold the title of the longest consecutive running Main Street Programs in the state of Minnesota! Way to go Barnesville!

It has been extremely busy in the Main Street Office, so we don’t have much time for celebrating! (Don’t fret! We will make sure there is time for cake later this year!)

The 8th annual Toast of the Town was held last Friday, April 29. This event, sponsored by Main Street’s Design Committee, is held to raise funds to help support beautification efforts in Barnesville. This includes flowers, plants, banners, trash cans and more. Our welcome planters and signs at the entrances into town are needing some additional work either in bedding plants or construction repairs. There are always plans and ideas in the works to make improvements in keeping Barnesville a beautiful community.

As with any event, there are many to thank. A number of businesses contributed items for door prizes. The contributions of these people and businesses are appreciated. Their continued support of fundraising efforts and those of Main Street in particular tells us all that they care about their community. Don’t forget to thank them by doing your business with them! Shane Balken and the staff at the Purple Goose provided fine food and a wonderful place to hold the Toast event. We couldn’t thank them enough for all of the work they put in to make this event a success! And of course, I would like to thank those that attended the Toast of the Town this year. Your interest and support make this event a success. We do appreciate your participation and hope that you enjoyed yourselves. We look forward to next year and hope you’ll join us again.

We also have the annual Spring Area-Wide Rummage Sales coming up at the end of the week. I want to thank the Record Review for all of their help to coordinate this event year after year! It is unbelievable how many people look forward to this event every May!

Again, I want to thank everyone who has ever helped at a Main Street event, been a part of a committee or board, donated to our program or participated in a Main Street activity in the last 25 years. Barnesville is such a great community and we are so proud to be a part of it!

Main Street News: April 25th

You have 11 days! Eleven days to organize that garage, closet or closets, the basement storage rooms and every other nook and cranny you have stuffed, overloaded and can’t close the door on any more.  Eleven days until…THE SPRING AREA WIDE RUMMAGE SALES!

Can’t find a used dresser? How about that piano you’ve always wanted? Are you in need of some baby items for when the grandkids visit? Can you feel the excitement? In just 11 days’ time I bet you will get lucky enough to have those needs filled during the spring area wide rummage sales!!

Scheduled for May 6 & 7, the Spring Sales are full of opportunity. Opportunity for our residents to thin out their “stuff”, opportunity for residents to find some bargains if they are looking for just the right item or have a particular need and an opportunity to welcome visitors that come from literally miles and miles around to do just that. 

Getting organized and cleaning out those closets or the garage can give you a newfound sense of order. Our office is planning for another busy time all over town as people sell their treasures! Information forms for your sale can be picked up at the Record Review. Your sale information needs to be back at the Record Review office this week by April 27. Our office will put together a brochure with the listings and a map primarily for rummage sale shoppers that visit our community to use. Local businesses advertise in that brochure which helps us to fund advertising of the event in area newspapers and over the radio. Rummage Sales brochures will be available at many local businesses or online. Those hosting sales will also have their ads printed in the Record Review with the map. Capitalizing on the ‘mass’ advertising helps your sale and our office does that work for you.

Visitors do come from all over. It amazes me the telephone inquiries our office receives on the dates of Rummage Sales weekend and stories that sometimes go with it. Groups of friends or families that come together to make the shopping experience – even spending the night in a hotel – which turns it into a mini reunion. People have been calling & emailing since January to get the date on their calendars. While we can’t control the weather (although some people think that I can), an early spring date means that we are the first in the region to have an organized community sale event. And that alone draws people that are die- hard shoppers who have waited all winter long for the rummage sale thrill!

So think about joining forces with a neighbor or friend and have a sale. Get your ‘team’ at home together to organize and purge all that you no longer need. Minimalize your belongings and improve your living space. Hosting a sale is a lot of work, but can be beneficial too. We all have things that are no longer of use to us but may be a needed item or a treasure to others. If you don’t want to have a sale, perhaps you need to get out there and shop!  Who knows you may find a real treasure. Either way it is a win-win situation for you and for Barnesville.  

Main Street News: April 19th

It seems like everyone is so busy this time of year. Running to different kids’ activities, farmers getting in the fields, and everyone is busy getting things done around their houses. I encourage you to take some time to slow down and take in a fun, relaxing evening by yourself, with your spouse, or get a group of friends together to unwind from the hustle and bustle of spring.

The Main Street Program is hosting the Toast of the Town on Friday, April 29th at the new, highly anticipated, Purple Goose Eatery & Drinkery. The fun begins at 7:30. In its seventh year, this casual and relaxed event has become a favorite for many to attend. It is a great time to come out and visit with friends and neighbors, try some new wines and beer and have a great time. It is a great opportunity to try something new for your taste buds. We have revamped this event and excited to change things up a bit. Being that we are now hosting it at the Purple Goose, we have decided to up the value of the ticket. Tickets are now $50 and include a four course meal, beer and wine tasting, a complementary drink ticket, chance to win some great door prizes, and the feeling that you helped your community! Meal options include your choice of steak and shrimp or chicken and ribs. Both meals also come with a salad, baked potato, and dessert. This is a great way to come check out the newest restaurant in town and support your community at the same time. Back by popular demand is the Spirit Tree – come and boost your spirits while trying your luck at the tree.

All proceeds from this event to go towards the beautification efforts for Barnesville. Our community has enjoyed the flower baskets and planters, festive Christmas garlands and special banners all year long.  Ongoing expenses for those flowers as well as future plans of adding trash receptacles, new banners, improving the welcome planters at entrances to town and other similar items are on the horizon. The Design committee continues to work toward that end and hosts this event to cover those same expenses.   

Tickets are available at the Main Street Office. Come on out and support Barnesville’s Main Street Program at the Toast of the Town on April 29th. We guarantee you’ll have a great time!

Main Street News: April 12th

National Volunteer Week is April 10-16 and MANY volunteers are busy right here in Barnesville. 

Over the last few weeks I have relied heavily on a number of volunteers in a variety of ways. Main Street always has been and always will be a program of volunteers. That is true in any community that has a Main Street Program. But I will say that Barnesville probably has the best of them all. Perhaps I am a bit prejudiced, but having worked with volunteers in both paid and unpaid positions, I can say that with all honesty.   

In a small town such as Barnesville, many of our volunteers wear many different hats for many different organizations. These volunteers work hard to make Barnesville a better community. The reasons why they volunteer vary but we know they don’t do it for the pay, for the thanks or for the notoriety. Maybe they have a special connection or take pride in knowing they are helping others.

 

Barnesville and I are both fortunate to have known such dedicated volunteers. They really are the heart of the community and cannot be thanked enough!

Main Street News: April 4th

Showcase 2016 happened on this past Saturday. It was another busy day in our community for businesses and residents both. Special thanks to all who made it possible again this year. Without the participation of the businesses and organizations represented, it would not have been held for this the 24th year. I heard many comments from vendors that they had a great day and were glad that Barnesville has a show right here in town.

All of the businesses who participated this year are to be commended for their commitment to Barnesville. They have gone out of their way to have a booth, invest their dollars in the event and reach out to customers and visitors alike. This forward thinking indicates their willingness to do business with you. It indicates their motivation to serve you as their customers and listen to your inquiries and suggestions. It is extra work for everyone at the business for them to be at Showcase and we do recognize that. Barnesville will thrive in today’s economy because of the support of its residents. Let’s continue to support these enterprises with your business – they are here for YOU! 

The entertainment, presentations and activities provided were second to none. We appreciate the time those individuals gave to help make Showcase an enjoyable event for all of those attending. Carol Albright and her art students provided an additional bright spot in our show with the Art Show. By sharing their talents and knowledge, they made a wonderful addition to this event. The food vendors were a hit with tantalizing smells luring us to the old gym for a delicious meal or a treat

I would like to thank the committee for the efforts put forth in organizing the event. Dar Hines, Bruce Albright, Becky Eggiman, Pete Larson, and Shane Raw have spent countless hours in meetings of preparation, soliciting entertainment, food vendors and booths as well as the manual labor in the set up & tear down of the entire gym! We also appreciate having the school as a facility in which to hold showcase. The administration and staff are so cooperative to work with. An event of this size and nature would not be successful without their support!  There are so many others who volunteered in a variety of ways to make the show a success: Irene Schenk, Sophia Swenson, Sally Braton, Kay Lane, Miss Barnesville Emma Vold, Ivy Olson and Cathy Wheelright. A HUGE thank you to all! We couldn’t have done it without you!

A special thank you is given to The Barnesville Lions, Barnesville Thursday Nite Lions, VFW Post # 4628 and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 4628 for sponsoring the Barnesville Bucks door prizes again this year. We do appreciate the generous support from these entities.  

We look forward to Showcase 2017 and seeing you again!

Main Street News: March 28th

Not only is our office busy getting ready for Showcase this week, but we are also celebrating “Mom & Pop Business Day” on Tuesday March 29^th. The definition of a “Mom & Pop Business” is a small, independent, family-owned business. Unlike franchises and large corporations, which have multiple operations in various locations, Mom and Pop Shops usually have a single location. That being said, Barnesville is home to many of these businesses!

          The vision of a small-town Mom and Pop stores serving the community is one of Hollywood's favorites. We not only get to see it on TV and in movies, but we get to live in the heart of it. Knowing their customers so well, is a huge advantage for small town businesses. Their customers are also reliable and return so frequently. They are our friends, family and neighbors; and we build a special bond with them each time the visit the store.

          You can find many of these Mom and Pop businesses at Showcase this Saturday, April 2^nd at the Barnesville High School from 10 am – 2 pm. We have over 40 different vendors who are all ready to showcase what they have to offer. We also have a full entertainment schedule, a fabulous food court and door prize drawings. The students from the school have also been busy to get ready for the Student Art Show. Come out, bring the family, and enjoy the day. There will be something for everyone!

Main Street News: March 21st

“Do you have trouble hearing?” asked the teacher of a youngster who sat dreamily at his desk.

“No, Ma’am,” replied the boy. “I have trouble listening.”

Anyone who has every worked with children, either as a profession, a volunteer or as a parent can relate to that quip. Actually, it reflects some adults too! 

Most of us are like that. The ability to listen is not an inborn trait. It takes a conscious effort to do it well.  Successful listeners are people who: Listen intently - their minds do not wander. They concentrate on what the other person is saying. Repress their own egos - they don’t interrupt. Nor are they thinking only of what they want to say when the speaker finishes. Are patient – nothing is more annoying than a person who has no patience to hear you out.  Are concerned – they care about what the other person is saying because they are about that person.

Showcase 2016 is an opportunity for businesses to reach out to their customers and listen. Many of the businesses participating really want to connect with their customers and do that. They will listen and try to meet your needs. Perhaps Showcase doesn’t allow enough time for you to sit down with that business manager or owner and work out specifics of your situation, but it is an opportunity for you as a customer to meet them. You can reach out to them and take that first step. 

Whether you are an ‘old’ customer or a ‘new’ perspective one, those businesses at Showcase want to connect with you and are happy to visit that day and in the future. They want you to do business with them. They appreciate their customers and are committed to our community. Their presence at Showcase is just one more piece of evidence of that.

Showcase 2016 will be Saturday, April 2. Stop by the high school from 10am – 2pm for a chance to visit with many businesses or check out someone new. We have a large variety of vendors that are looking forward to seeing you at their booth. It’s free admission so you can’t beat the price!

Barnesville is fortunate to have the businesses that are willing to support Showcase, say thank you to their customers and ‘show’ to those in attendance what they have to offer. Come out and join them in a great day of hospitality, business, entertainment and good food.

You could be surprised at who is exhibiting. Try a business you’ve never been to or worked with before.  Think outside of your ‘normal’ routine and give some local business owner a shot at obtaining your business. They have committed to our community. We, as individuals, can give them our business and support the community at the same time.