What we think: Check out crazy days this weekend

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Crazy Days is happening in downtown Jamestown today and we encourage residents and visitors to take in the activities. At the same time, we have to wonder if its day is past — at least based on the same premise.

Crazy Days started in Jamestown decades ago when the downtown was the hub of shopping. Merchants set up tables for a major sales event and residents hunted for bargains. Downtown restaurants and cafes did a landslide business during Crazy Days.

Although there are still some downtown merchants and bargains to be had, the event has changed to fit the times and circumstances. Only five downtown merchants are participating this year. Now crafters and food vendors are part of the one-day scene. Rummage sales were added this year as an opportunity for residents to find second-hand bargains. Games, activities and entertainment are the emphasis.

The Main Street/Downtown Association, with Charlie Kourajian at the helm, is trying to keep the event going. Their hard work and the involvement of downtown merchants need to be recognized. And certainly, residents can spend some enjoyable time downtown today.

But the purpose of Crazy Days as it was designed is gone. It’s time to rethink an event which has become a way to get people downtown. Perhaps it’s time to create an arts and crafts fair, a flea market or simply a fun day downtown that’s held in conjunction with the Tatanka Festival and White Cloud’s Birthday.

It could be called Tatanka Days and local merchants could participate if they chose. Groups could add their fundraising activities for a city-wide event. But the purpose and emphasis would be more in keeping with reality.

Whatever is eventually decided, we urge local residents and visitors to attend Crazy Days in downtown Jamestown today and at the Buffalo Mall today and Saturday. Support those who worked so hard to make this happen today.

(Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board)

Tags: what we think, crazy days, opinion