Merchant Memo: 5 Things

Fri June 7 – June events with road closure, Safety Update

Summer events season is on. The Ruby Summer Concert Series and Movie Nights kicks-off this Friday and Saturday at Ruby Amphitheatre. While commencement has come and gone, new Mountaineers and their families will visit throughout June. The mandatory New Student Orientation sessions anticipate record attendance by incoming WVU freshmen. Between sessions, new Mountaineers will explore their new town and earmark new-to-them places to live, study, and play for the coming year.

On to “Five Things”:

Thurs Jun 13: Morgantown Pride Parade (road closure)
7pm Step-off. Organized by Morgantown Pride. Walnut Street will remain open!
Sat June 15: Events Spotlight (road closure)
West Virginia Birthday Party – (1-5pm) Celebrate the 161st Birthday of our great state and Main Street Morgantown’s 40th Anniversary at Courthouse Square! Presented by March-Westin this family friendly festival is free with live music, a vintage market, and family fun zone. A fundraiser for Main Street Morgantown, commemorative beer cups will be available for purchase and will include beer/cider pours. More info >>
Morgantown Pride Block Party – (12-5pm) Celebrate Pride 2024 at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park! An afternoon of entertainment, food, vendors, and community. Open to the public and welcoming of all ages. More info >>
Moonlight Market – (4-9pm) Offering a wide and juried range of Artists and Makers, plus live music and entertainment at Morgantown’s only monthly artisan night market (running May-Nov). Located at Morgantown Market Place. More info >>
Mon Jun 23: The Great Race (road closure)
120 vintage cars rally at the top of High Street and cross the Morgantown finish line on their way from Kentucky to Maine. Dream Machines Car Club will conduct a local car show, kids make-and-race pinewood derby car, vintage vendors, treat trucks, and more. The event will run from 12-3pm. View on Facebook >>
Downtown Safety Update
MPD Presence: As the weather warms up, we’ve been hearing and seeing a renewed commitment from the Morgantown Police Department in their downtown visibility and enforcement.The reception has been welcome and positive. If you see an officer, be sure to say “thank you” for being downtown! Our spirit of neighborliness is one of the best things about being downtown.
Safety Walkthroughs: Need a little extra help with your property issues? Deputy Chief Christopher Ruehmer is available to conduct courtesy property walkthroughs. He will consult and advise with tips on how to enhance the security of your property. To schedule an appointment contact Deputy Police Chief Ruehmer at 304-284-7445.
“Morgantown Mile” PODA
The Morgantown Mile PODA launched on Wednesday, May 15. From 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends, customers may purchase a to-go drink at a participating PODA establishment and explore downtown. There are now 6 PODA-licensed businesses and 13 participating businesses. To learn more about how your business can participate visit information page >>
BONUS: Survey Time! Let your voice be heard
As part of the MMPO Downtown Traffic Study, you are invited to participate in a survey about traffic operations. Please follow the link forwarded below and leave your comments on the interactive map. The survey closes on June 19th. Click for interactive survey >>

Wrapping up Historic Preservation Month:

Spotlight Video: Historic Preservation Month
We’ve just wrapped Historic Preservation Month in May. In this Business Briefing Michael Mills discusses downtown gems Old Stone House, City Hall, the Old Post Office, and the Met Theatre turning 100. Watch video on Facebook >>
Several organizations celebrated from across the community
See our round-up of the community-wide celebration at downtownmorgantown.com >>

In case you missed it:

[Article]: Antique car rally to make stop in Morgantown. Via WDTV >>
[Article]: Bangin’ BBQ Right in Your Backyard. Via Morgantown Magazine >>
[Post]: City of Morgantown paving project begins. Read more >>
[Post]: WVDOH Brockway Ave work begins June 10. Read more >>
[Post]: Bourbon Prime offering specials before Ruby summer events. Read more >>
[Survey Time]: 2024 Small Business Survey
Main Street America invites small business owners across the country to share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges they’re facing to help shape the resources and support that Main Street America offers to small businesses. Access the survey here > https://bit.ly/3yFlo7I

Upcoming Events & Holidays

Month of June – WVU New Student Orientation
June 16 – Father’s Day
July 4 – Independence Day

Saturdays – Farmers Markets through Nov 16
Fri June 7 – First Fridays for the Arts
Various Downtown locations. More info >>
Fri June 7 – Ruby Summer Concert Series Begins (Recurring Fridays)
Every Friday at Ruby Amphitheater. More info >>
Sat June 8 – Ruby Summer Movie Series Begins (Recurring Saturdays)
Saturdays at Ruby Amphitheater. More info >>
Thur June 13 – Pride Parade – street closure
7pm. High Street. More info >>
Sat June 15 – West Virginia Birthday Party & Main Street Morgantown 40th Anniversary – street closure
Free family festival on High Street. More info >>
Sat June 15 – Morgantown Pride Block Party
Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. More info >>
Sat June 15 – Moonlight Market
Morgantown Market Place. More info >>
Sat June 19 – High Street Cruise-In
High Street. More info >>
Mon June 24 is The Great Race – road closure
120 vintage cars rally at the top of High Street on their way from Kentucky to Maine.
Fri July 5 – First Fridays for the Arts
Various Downtown locations. More info >>

Suspicious activity? See something, say something
MPD’s Non-Emergency line 304-284-7522 x0. Emergencies call 911. Always use discretion in regard to your own safety.

Now working! Morgantown 311 for Android, iOS and web users
We’ve tested it and it really works! Trash overflow, graffiti, sidewalk mess, trespass? The city follows up on non-emergency concerns submitted via the Morgantown 311 app, available in the App Store and Google Play. Download the app now to see if your concern has been reported yet. Experiencing app outage? Submit your service request online: https://morgantownwv.gov/428/Service-Request

The Merchant Memo is a free bi-weekly resource for downtown businesses As a 501c3 non-profit, it is one of our many strategic initiatives, programs, and resources to develop and promote vibrant and prosperous Downtown and Wharf Districts. If you find value in our resources and services, we welcome you to consider joining our Supporter program. Interested in learning more about our work? Visit DowntownMorgantown.com for more info and to enroll >>