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Third Thursdays

A temporary street fair in Pittsfield Mass every summer third thursday allows local businesses to attract new customers, gives food vendors extra business and brings the community together around art, music and a celebrate a new revival for the town
A temporary street fair in Pittsfield Mass every summer third thursday allows local businesses to attract new customers, gives food vendors extra business and brings the community together around art, music and a celebrate a new revival for the town.  Third Thursday is a community wide block party: the main street in the town is turned into a pedestrian walkway, local businesses offer special deals, free tastings and giveaways and live music and art work are dotted up and down the street.

Pittsfield, MA struggled to get its economy going again after GE left town in the 1990's.  A recent rejuvenation of the town around its history art and culture has gotten the economy slowly moving again, attracting tourists and new industry.  There are many components that have worked together to contribute to the revival but one key input has been Third Thursdays.  Its success and its contribution to the town's economic movement comes from some of these factors:

1. an opportunity for small business to attract new clients and old clients
2. a public display that the town government/local businesses are committed to getting the town going again
3. an opportunity for the town to get together and talk about what's going on, share news and ideas
4. a celebration and chance for people to be happy about the success that has occurred
5. Tourists are attracted to the town from other parts of the county where they usually go translating to new revenue and support
6. a chance for collaboration across industries and organizations (ie united way teams up with musicians or local restaurant teams up with wine store)


http://www.wbur.org/2010/09/24/pittsfield-third-thursday
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Cheri Baker

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January 14, 2012, 04:58AM
I'm originally from the suburb of Chicago, and Chicagoans absolutely LOVE street fairs! Chicago gets so cold in the winter that it literall seems like the population is hibernating. But come early March, when it's about 45 degrees Fahrenheit outside, Chicago is so happy for some relative warmth that the streets are filled with people in shorts and sandals. (You can always tell who's not originally from Chicago: they're still wearing a winter coat and mittens!)

Summers in Chicago are the best time of year; there's a street festival every weekend. There's Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, Chicago Korean Festival, Ribfest, Olde Town Art Fair, Sausagefest, Swedish Days, Chicago Blue Fest... there' even a Baconfest Chicago. The list goes on forever!!

We should find a way to market a series of fun festivals for summer in Pittsfield, MA. Festivals are the ideal way to bring people together to experience a neighborhood, enjoy local artists, eat delicious food, and see friends. Chicago is a perfect example of the many benefits of neighborhood street festivals.
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Cheri Baker's reply to Cheri Baker's comment

Cheri Baker

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January 14, 2012, 05:00AM
Maybe you can send a comprehensive business plan to the local mayor's office to get their support. With a person or two (or lots more!) devoted to this work from the government side, you're sure to get plenty of support!
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Meena Kadri

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December 06, 2011, 12:24AM
Interesting to note the number of inspirations being posted which point to vibrant initiatives thriving in pedestrian areas devoid of large vehicles.
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