Merchant Memo – 5 Things

Monday, June 23rd is The Great Race.  Morgantown is the only WV stop for this vintage car rally from Kentucky to Maine.  A 41-year competitive racing tradition, the Morgantown stop will feature a race of 140 vintage vehicles, two car shows, make-and-race pinewood derby for kids, vintage vendors, and treat truck appearances by Jazzy’s Shaved Ice and Rollie Pollie Egg Roll Factory. Here’s how you can plan for success during Morgnatown’s Great Race day:

  • About road and lot closure: From 9am to 4pm, closure of High Street to Walnut (similar to a parade), First and Fayette Streets between Chestnut and Spruce, and related traffic redirection. Expect car shows at City Lot B (next to Massullo’s) and along High. Communicate with your deliveries and services to coordinate alternate access times.
  • More district foot traffic than a typical Monday.  Extended operating hours may make you available to potential customers. So polish up those sandwich boards, lean-in to special promotions, and get ready for a downtown showcase and a crowd of families, summer camps, school groups, senior groups, and people who love the nostalgia of antique, vintage, and collector cars. 
  • PODA (sip & stroll district) hours have been extended Monday to 11am-10pm for The Great Race. Visitors may purchase alcohol from any of 7 PODA-licensed businesses and stroll district events and shops (with proprietor’s consent).
  • 140 race vehicles will drip steadily from 12:15pm-3:00pm from Wiley to Wall and park on High Street for viewing. For many Great Race driver/navigator teams this will be their first visit to Morgantown. Additional event activities at City Lot B, Fayette, and Forest.
  • Get out your American flags and race flags for The Great Race!  Morgantown is the only WV stop on this 17-stop 2,300 mile stretch. Morgantown won the bid to host The Great Race 2024 thanks to strong collaborative partnerships and months of planning between the City of Morgantown, Visit Mountaineer Country CVB, and Main Street Morgantown and their partners. View the event on Facebook >>

On to “Five Things”:

  • [Article]: City of Morgantown welcomes The Great Race
    Dive deeper into event and road closure details via WVU E-News >> 
  • [Spotlight Video]: “Morgantown Mile” PODA
    Did you miss the PODA Kick-off Party?  In this Business Briefing watch a recap from the event and learn about how the PODA programming helps make downtown a destination. View on Facebook >>
    To learn more about how your business can participate visit information page >>
  • Summer ArtsWalk is July 13 – Application Deadline July 5
    Arts Walk is a vibrant sidewalk market showcasing our local creative community and the merchants who host them.  To be included, apply before the deadline Friday, July 5 at 5pm.
    Merchant application >> Vendor/Maker application >> View on Facebook >>
  • Weekend Recap
    The WV Birthday Party offered great live music, a show-stopping kids zone, a beer garden, and free cake for everyone.  See photos of the WV Birthday Party street festival presented by March-Westin on Facebook >>
    Affiliate events contributed to excitement in the district:
    Pride Block Party offered free hugs, vendors, and performances. View on Facebook >>
    Moonlight Market welcomed 15 new artists and makers. View Moonlight Market photos on Facebook >>
  • Request a Property Security Walkthrough
    Need a little extra help with your property issues? MPD 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.

SPOTLIGHT

  • [Editorial]: Not every day is a party, but today certainly is. Via Yahoo News >> 
  • [Article]: Main Street Morgantown hosts celebration of West Virginia’s 161st birthday. Via WAJR >>
  • [Video]: Main Street Morgantown Birthday. via WDTV12 >> 
  • [Article]: Main Street Morgantown advancing study of possible whitewater recreation on Deckers Creek. via WV MetroNews >>
  • [Article]: Main Street Morgantown (West Virginia) to hold Summer Arts Walk July 13 via WV News >>

ICYMI

  • [Article]: Morgantown hosts annual Pride Block Party. via WBOY >>
  • [Article]: Morgantown to celebrate 100th birthday of native Don Knotts with film festival. via Morgantown Magazine >>
  • [Article]: Morgantown library holds book club for all members of the family via WDTV >>
  • [Article]: Coffee With a Side of Culture. via Morgantown Magazine >>
  • [Article]: Morgantown restaurant hosts family-friendly drag brunches via WBOY12 >>
  • [Article]: Morgantown book store beating the heat with free water, popsicles. via WBOY >> 
  • [Article]: Greenmont a major focus of city’s summer paving project. Via Dominion Post (paywall) >>
  • [Article]: Best things to do in Morgantown, WV via MSN Travel >>
  • [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

June & July – WVU New Student Orientation Recurring Events More info >>
Fridays – Ruby Summer Concert Series. More info >>
Saturdays – Morgantown Farmers Market More info >>
Saturdays – Ruby Summer Movie Series More info >>
July 4 – Independence Day
July 21 – Don Knotts 100th Birthday

  • Mon June 24 – The Great Race – road closure
    140 vintage cars rally at the top of High Street on their way from Kentucky to Maine.
  • Tue July 2 – 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act
    Exhibit opening and storytelling event at Morgantown Public Library. More info >>
  • Fri July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration
    Ruby Amphitheater. More info >>
  • Fri July 5 – First Fridays for the Arts (1st Fridays)
    Multi-venue showcase & crawl. Various Downtown locations. More info >>
  • Fri July 5 – Summer Arts Walk – Participation Deadline
    Merchant application >> Vendor/Maker application >>
  • Sat July 13 – Summer Arts Walk
    High Street. More info >>
  • Sat July 13 – 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act: Conversations
    Morgantown Market Place. More info >>
  • Sat July 17 – High Street Cruise-In (3rd Wednesdays)

High Street. More info >>

  • Sat July 20 – Moonlight Market (3rd Saturdays)
    Morgantown Market Place. More info >>
  • July 20-24 – 100 Years of Entertainment: Don Knotts & The Met Theatre
    Downtown. More info >>
  • Save the Date: August 19 Mon County Fair Parade
    Organized by Monongalia County Fair Association

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, services, and events, 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 >>