By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It’s almost time for the planters downtown to be filled with flowers, but in Tony Vetter’s office it looks more like the winter holiday season.
A 5-foot wreath leans against the wall, huge red bows are ready to adorn light poles, and banners with colorful ornaments are waiting to be unfurled.
Vetter, executive director of Downtown BG, feels like the holidays came early this year.
When the Bowling Green Downtown Foundation announced in February that it was starting a fundraising campaign for new holiday decorations, members knew it was a lofty goal.
But a couple months in, and the public has responded by donating $48,000 of the $88,000 goal.
“I’m amazed at the response for donations for this project – which tells me it’s something the community has wanted for some time,” Vetter said.
The city is planning to do a “test run” this coming winter at the four corners downtown. Vetter is excited to hear community comments on the massive wreaths, bows and banners.
The old holiday decorations are 20 years old, according to Dick Newlove, president of the Downtown Foundation.
“One does not have to look too far to see the downtown holiday decorations of neighboring communities are much fresher and more inviting,” Newlove said when the campaign began in February.
The new plan includes existing lamp posts in the center of downtown along Main Street and Wooster Street being decorated with wreaths lit with LED lights and red bows. There will be holiday banners on the lampposts further to the north and south. The plan also includes swags and wreaths with lights, bows, and ribbons across north and south Main Street.
Donations may be made by sending checks payable to The Downtown Foundation, 217 S. Church St., Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402 or by visiting https://downtownbgohio.org/partnership-opportunities-1.
All sponsors will be recognized on the Downtown Foundation website and in online promotional materials.
But back to this spring season, the downtown is getting at least two new parklets – in front of SamB’s and Flatlands Coffee. The three parklets put up last year have already returned, and will have lighting installed this year.
Businesses are liking the ability to expand their seating outside, Vetter said.
“There’a a lot of positive buzz,” he said.
Though the businesses next to the parklets take care of the seating, the space is available to the public, according to Vetter.
“Anyone can use them. They are public spaces – not private spaces,” he said.
Despite concerns last year that the parklets might cause problems for the Black Swamp Arts Festival, Vetter said the structures didn’t seem to interfere.
“We’re trying to balance the benefits for the merchants, the customers, and any events going on downtown,” he said.
The annual flower planting downtown is planned for May 10, for anyone who would like to help. The rain date is May 11.
Art Walk is scheduled downtown on May 14, with awards handed out in the afternoon.
