Crazy Daze set July 17 downtown

Every year about this time, the Main Street Downtown Association scurries around trying to find crafters, merchants, food vendors and entertainment for its annual Crazy Daze, said Charlie Kourajian, Mainstreet ambassador for the association. Due to the lack of downtown merchants, this year is even more critical to the continuance of this annual event, he said.

Crazy Daze will be held in downtown Jamestown on July 17 and at the Buffalo Mall on July 17 and 18.

Main Street, from First to Third Street South, and First and Second Streets will be closed off all day Friday, July 17 only, and merchants from all over town are invited to display their products and offer bargains for the shoppers. Anyone who displays downtown can be on the sidewalks on Saturday if they wish.

Featured again this year will be a ping-pong ball drop at 1 p.m. Last year hundreds of balls were dropped from a downtown building and each was awarded a prize. Organizer, Deb Hornung, promises some great prizes for the event.

“We are trying hard to find some activity for every hour of the day to keep our visitors occupied and downtown,” Kourajian said. “So far the response has been slow, but positive, but we can still use some more merchants, vendors and entertainers.”

“Buffalo Mall merchants will be displaying Crazy Daze merchandise in the hallways with fabulous bargains for shoppers,” said Deb Thompson, mall manager. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Crazy Daze.”

Merchants, crafters and food vendors for Downtown Crazy Daze are asked to call Kourajian at 320-3015 if they would like to reserve a spot on First Avenue. There will be a $25 charge for each participant with the money being used to advertise the event and other expenses.

As in the past, sponsors are needed to make Crazy Daze successful. Nonprofit organizations can look for sponsors if they wish to have a spot on the street and can’t afford the fee. There will be no charge for groups that want to perform and get public exposure.

For more information, the Main Street Downtown Association can be reached at its office at 206 First Ave. S., Suite 120, or by calling 320-3015. The Buffalo Mall office phone is 251-2237.

Tags: local busienss, crazy days, business