The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
July 12, 2012
What You Will Find…
□ Downtowners Art & Wine Walk
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
1st Downtowners Art & Wine Walk
New Downtown event July 28…
Growth is everywhere in our community: new businesses, residents, visitors, and those returning. The growth in activities is and will continue to expand along with them. As our board was brainstorming what new event we should have in our Downtown, an Art & Wine Walk was at the top of everyone’s list. We had a chance to speak with the Downtown group from Minot at our ND Downtown Conference, who had great success with theirs. Fargo’s Corks & Canvas continues to be a strong event for them. Luckily, our board VP Jon Holth from the Toasted Frog participates inGrand Forks event, and we started off planning one for the wine and art-loving residents ofBismarck.
The Downtowners Art & Wine Walk will be July 28, from 1-5pm in Downtown Bismarck. Sample 18 different wine selections, have light appetizers, peruse the businesses and artists offerings, and register for door prizes from each business and more!
Walk the historic streets and patronize our artistic community and Downtown Businesses. Advanced tickets for the event are $40/person, you must be 21 to participate. Proceeds from the Downtowners Art & Wine Walk will go to the Downtowners non-profit to promote betterment and revitalization efforts of our historic Downtown for the entire community to enjoy. Purchase advanced tickets from Bismarck Arts and Galleries Association (BAGA), Impact Gallery and Gifts, or The Downtowners website. Tickets are limited, so get yours soon!
How the Downtowners Art & Wine Walk works: The day of the event, attendees will trade their ticket for an Art & Wine Walk passport at a specified location with all the participating business locations and artist’s information. Stroll the beautiful streets of our historic Downtown with friends while walking from location to location between 1pm-5pm. At each location there will be a unique wine, light appetizers, an artist or musician, and of course the spotlight business it’s all in. Feel free to interact with the artist and business owner and peruse their offerings. After the last location, everyone gathers together, where patrons will have chances to win over 25 door prizes, vote for “Best in Show” business/artist pairing, and favorite wine variety.
Visit our website for more event and ticket information: www.downtownbismarck.com
Or contact Dawn or Kate: 701-223-1958 – getit@downtownbismarck.com
Urban Harvest kicks off Thursday July 12
A favorite summer event in Downtown kicks off the 2012 Market Season today on the corner of 4th and Broadway in Downtown Bismarck. Enjoy food, arts & craft booths, farmers market produce, and entertainment and music. Each Thursday through August 16, they’ll be set up Downtown, be sure to stop by for lunch, dinner, and evening entertainment. For a list of entertainers, visit www.bismarckurbanharvest.org. If you are looking to be a market vendor, you may also find applications on their website.
Downtown Updates
–The ND Supreme Court issued their decisions regarding Erling Haugland’s lawsuit against the City ofBismarckregarding Tax Increment Financing. The almost 30 page document has not officially been reported on at a City Commission meeting, but its clear there is a little more work left to be done. The majority of the ruling was favorable for the City ofBismarck, however some issues were not officially decided on but remanded back to district court. TIF funds were found to be constitutional, a main dispute of Haugland’s suit. TIF funds support urban renewal plans for the City ofBismarck. Numerous projects such as facility renewal programs (CORE), another parking ramp and Quiet Rail Zone were put on voluntarily hold by the city until a decision was reached. The lower courts ruled against Haugland and in favor of the city. He then appealed the decision to the ND Supreme Court. Stayed tuned to future newsletters for more analysis of the decision.
— The Bismarck Parking Authority is now offering free evening parking from 4pm to 2am daily through the end of the year. With all the new activity and nightlife in Downtown Bismarck, the ramps will allow the public to enjoy the city center and not have to look for street parking.
How the After Hour Complementary Parking Works: Use the entrance to the 3rd & Main Ramp on 3rd Street. Pull into the ramp and pull a time stamped ticket. The arm will raise and allow the car through to park. When exiting the ramp, simply use the hourly lane and deposit your ticket in the slot, the arm will already be raised to allow the cars to exit. There is no leeway on timing. If you enter at 3:59pm or exit at 2:01am, the customer will be charged the normal hourly rate.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown…
July 12
BismarckUrban Harvest
4th & Broadway
July 9-13
Sleepy Hollow Presents:
“Grease”
July 12-15
Shade Tree Players Presents:
“The Princess King”
July 14-20
Sleepy Hollow Presents:
“The Sound of Music”
July 19
BismarckUrban Harvest
4th & Broadway
July 18-22
Capitol Shakespeare
“A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” @ Capitol Grounds
July 28
Downtowners Art & Wine Walk
18 Downtown Establishments
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
Welcome to the Newest Members of the Downtowners!
Welcome KK BOLD, Fiancee, Life Expressions Family Chiropractic, and Soul Interiors!
Find all of our member businesses information at: www.downtownbismarck.com
□ Member The Bismarck Tribune released their annual reader’s picks for “Best of the Best” in Bismarck for products, services and events: Glance Spa & Salon, Space Aliens, Blarney Stone, Fiesta Villa, Downtowners Street Fair, McQuades Softball Tournament, Dakota Eye Institute, Gary Miller @ Gary’s Gallery, and the Toasted Frog. There were also a number of top 3 finishes, way to represent Downtowners! You can find a link to all the winners at www.bismarcktribune.com.
□ Member Pirogue Grille will be preparing a memorable meal for the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber’s Dinners on the Plaza July 19. Visit www.bismarckmandan.com/events for more information.
□ The 39th Annual Downtowners Street Fair vendor applications can be downloaded at: www.downtownbismarck.com.
□ Member Abused Adult Resource Center will be hosting their 8th Annual “Spike Out Violence” sand volleyball tournament July 28-29. For more information call Katie at 701-222-8370
Please send all member business news and events to: kate@downtownbismarck.com.
Check the Downtown Business Association’s websites for updated news and events www.downtownbismarck.com or www.bismarckribfest.com.
Please forward this on to people interested in Downtown news!