Admission is free.
“We’ve been looking at creative ways to bring life to downtown while social distancing. We think this will be a good start,” said John Kelly, Visit Greater Springfield’s new downtown events coordinator.
Part of the challenge was finding a theme and sticking to social distancing requirements for Kelly, Chris Schutte, Chamber Vice-President, Destination Marketing and Communications and staff. The evening will have several attractions spread out in a progressive format that attendees and their four-legged friends can visit.
Attractions will include:
–A dog obstacle course at National Road Commons presented by Wags N Wiggles
–Live entertainment from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Brass Band and Youth Arts Ambassadors at the Clark State Performing Arts Center; from Jacob and Harmony downtown; and at COHatch
–Live Painting at Sip & Dipity
–Live dog portraits at Frame Haven
–Pet adoption with the Clark County SPCA on the Clark State Performing Arts Center and Hollenbeck Bayley Center campus
–Specials from downtown businesses
–DORA specials at several downtown establishments. Designated cups will be available
“We wanted to create an atmosphere downtown and adding the dog element is special,” Schutte said.
Since its introduction here in 2019, DORA – which stands for Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area, allowing adults of drinking age to have adult beverages in a designated area – has been successful according to Schutte, but never got to be fully explored and this is a chance to do so.
“DORA has had an incredible reception during our First Fridays. It’s not a license for public intoxication as all laws and rules apply, but is handled responsibly,” he said.
The evening is also a chance for downtown merchants and restaurants to offer specials and welcome visitors.
“The downtown merchants are really excited for this,” Kelly said. “They missed visitors during the lockdown.”
Kelly said much emphasis has been on creating a safe environment for visitors by spacing things out, encouraging people to explore the entire area. Part of the North Fountain Ave. area will be blocked off to accommodate seating. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
The CVB staff will evaluate how this first night goes and if it’s successful they hope to add different themed-nights monthly.
“We’re optimistic the people will embrace this. Our plan is to create fun for the family, give them something to look forward to in the void of cancellations of many events,” Schutte said.
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