ARCADIA, Fla. — The New Downtown Passport Event in Arcadia is creating a remarkable surge in business for local shops. Small establishments in Downtown Arcadia are banding together, igniting community spirit while supporting a vital local economy.
“We were a little skeptical at first,” reflected Pam Ames, the Executive Director of the Arcadia Main Street Program. “We didn’t really know the ins and outs of it, but we decided it would be a good thing to at least try.” This initial uncertainty soon transformed into enthusiastic participation, with 43 local businesses joining this innovative effort running from August 19 to September 7.
Curious shoppers are warmly greeted with a specially designed passport upon entering participating stores. This passport is not just a piece of paper; it’s a ticket to adventure. “They go from store to store, and that way, they visit each store,” explained Patty Ellison, owner of Miss Patty’s Consignments. “They stamp it, and it’s like going into a new world.” Each purchase earns stamps on the passport, unlocking closer ties with the community and encouraging exploration.
Once shopping concludes, these passports can be dropped off at Arcadia Main Street for entry into weekly raffles. “We just did a drawing, and it was for a night at our downtown hotel, the Oak Park Inn,” shared Ames. “We’re also offering gift baskets with certificates from various stores.” The most exciting prize? An opportunity to win up to $500 in downtown dollars, a prize that feels like a warm hug from the community itself.
This initiative has transformed the way locals perceive shopping. Business owners, like Toni Badovinac from Glass Antique or Not, expressed their thoughts, emphasizing the importance of community commerce. “What that does for me as the business owner, is I can take those bucks, take them to Main Street, and right away they can write me a check for that amount of money that was spent and purchased,” she noted. “What it’s doing is it’s helping keep the money people bring into town, in town.” A sense of unity flows through these transactions, palpable and invaluable.
In just the first week, Ames reported a whopping $7,000 spent. Over 100 passports were entered in the initial raffle, igniting excitement within the community. Reflecting on this endeavor, Ames hopes to have another downtown passport event around the festive season, adding a special touch to the holidays.
The New Downtown Passport Event is more than just shopping; it reflects a heartwarming commitment to building a resilient community and fostering local pride. For those who choose to participate, it’s a chance to make memories, support their neighbors, and perhaps, discover a little more about their own hometown. In a world where convenience often trumps connection, this initiative serves as a reminder of the value of shopping small and staying local.
