Norwich Merchants plan second 'First Thursday'
NORWICH – The second “First Thursday” of the summer will be July 7th, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event, organized by the Norwich Merchants Association, had its first run in June.
Linda McNeil, co-chair of the marketing committee for the Merchants Association, said the inaugural First Thursday was well received.
“People were very excited, the merchants that participated were very excited,” McNeil said. “Some saw an increase in business.”
Plans for the next first Thursday are already in motion. The second First Thursday will feature artists’ work in the windows of open buildings, including the former SUNY Morrisville, the building that used to house Ives Cream and the building that used to be the Two Sisters Cafe.
Joyce Zummo, operations and program director for Chenango County Council of the Arts, said they are looking for artists willing to paint the windows.
The artists can have access to the building before the first Thursday in July, if they need it to finish the masterpiece, McNeil said.
The Merchants Association will also donate sidewalk chalk and businesses will give their sidewalk space for children to draw during the event.
Downtown businesses will also pair with businesses from outside the downtown area to help promote each other.
Zummo said she thinks it is a great way to bring the community together, especially given the excitement of the last First Thursday.
“One of the things that makes Norwich so unique is taking a different idea and making it work,” said Zummo.
Brian Murphy, a local musician, also suggested that others like him be a part of First Thursdays.
“You have to work together to make sure to promote this image that downtown is the place to be,” he said.
Murphy was asked to play on the sidewalk outside Thymely Treasures by its owner, Sue Wood. He managed to convince people who walked by to enter and enjoy complimentary wine and cheese, Murphy said.
“You have to prime the pump,” said Murphy. “People don’t just walk in accidentally.”
Murphy has two of his CDs on sale in Thymely Treasures, but he says it’s more than about selling his music.
“Unless Norwich thinks of a way to expand on the entertainment, commerce won’t expand,” he said.
For more information about First Thursdays, visit shopnorwichny.com. If you are a local artist who would like to decorate a window call the Council of the Arts, 336-2787, or McNeil at 334-2617. If you are a local musician interested in participating in First Thursdays, call Murphy at 336-2716.
Linda McNeil, co-chair of the marketing committee for the Merchants Association, said the inaugural First Thursday was well received.
“People were very excited, the merchants that participated were very excited,” McNeil said. “Some saw an increase in business.”
Plans for the next first Thursday are already in motion. The second First Thursday will feature artists’ work in the windows of open buildings, including the former SUNY Morrisville, the building that used to house Ives Cream and the building that used to be the Two Sisters Cafe.
Joyce Zummo, operations and program director for Chenango County Council of the Arts, said they are looking for artists willing to paint the windows.
The artists can have access to the building before the first Thursday in July, if they need it to finish the masterpiece, McNeil said.
The Merchants Association will also donate sidewalk chalk and businesses will give their sidewalk space for children to draw during the event.
Downtown businesses will also pair with businesses from outside the downtown area to help promote each other.
Zummo said she thinks it is a great way to bring the community together, especially given the excitement of the last First Thursday.
“One of the things that makes Norwich so unique is taking a different idea and making it work,” said Zummo.
Brian Murphy, a local musician, also suggested that others like him be a part of First Thursdays.
“You have to work together to make sure to promote this image that downtown is the place to be,” he said.
Murphy was asked to play on the sidewalk outside Thymely Treasures by its owner, Sue Wood. He managed to convince people who walked by to enter and enjoy complimentary wine and cheese, Murphy said.
“You have to prime the pump,” said Murphy. “People don’t just walk in accidentally.”
Murphy has two of his CDs on sale in Thymely Treasures, but he says it’s more than about selling his music.
“Unless Norwich thinks of a way to expand on the entertainment, commerce won’t expand,” he said.
For more information about First Thursdays, visit shopnorwichny.com. If you are a local artist who would like to decorate a window call the Council of the Arts, 336-2787, or McNeil at 334-2617. If you are a local musician interested in participating in First Thursdays, call Murphy at 336-2716.
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