Fayetteville Main Street's 1st Chocolate Walk brought the square to life February 9th

Heather and Cailyn McCormick enjoy brownie trifles from Beautiful Me Boutique while strolling the streets of downtown Fayetteville.

The first Chocolate Walk proved to be a huge draw for shoppers February 9th. With 18 participating merchants, ticket holders enjoyed chocolate treats as they shopped the square.

Fayetteville Main Street Executive Director said, "I was blown away by the participation from our merchants and the community. I was hopeful to get 10 merchant stops and sell 40 tickets in our first year. The merchants were very receptive and supportive when I introduced the idea, and we ended up having 18 different stops plus some popup shops within our core businesses. We sold over 70 tickets, and this will definitely become an annual event for Main Street.  I learned a lot about what we need to do to improve next year, and I definitely think it needs to be on a Saturday afternoon and night, so that people have plenty of time to shop and enjoy all the treats! And definitely bigger bags next year! People in our town are hungry, literally, for something to do at night on our beautiful square. With the new lights project by Leadership Lincoln, we've got to find ways to capitalize on this ambience and create a family-friendly and date night-friendly nightlife. Stay tuned! I was making phone calls before 8 o'clock this morning to make something happen!" 

The proceeds from the Chocolate Walk will benefit the Main Street initiative to promote and revitalize downtown. A healthy downtown is the backbone of the local economy, and Main Street is working towards goals within a 3-Year Strategic Plan.  It's not a sprint...it's a marathon. The National Main Street approach is a proven method for revitalizing small towns and downtown districts. 

THANK YOU TO ALL PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS!! You are appreciated more than you know!!