Downtown Elizabethton is gearing up to host the annual Covered Bridge Celebration, and all downtown merchants are being encouraged to take part in the festivities.
The Covered Bridge Celebration will be held next week starting Wednesday, June 11, through Saturday, June 14.
The festival will be largely located in the Covered Bridge Park and East Elk Avenue from the Broad Street Bridge to the Monument. Kid’s Island will be in Edward’s Island Park, and the food vendors will be in their traditional location on Riverside Drive in front of Edward’s Island Park.
With all of the extra activity right at its front door, downtown Elizabethton will see increased traffic and more visitors coming through the business district.
Downtown Business Association President Cathy Shoun asked all the downtown businesses to participate in the festive atmosphere of the Covered Bridge Celebration.
“I would like to see all the businesses promote the Covered Bridge Celebration and participate that week,” Shoun said.
Shoun said all the businesses could have their own “sidewalk sales” and feature their own merchandise in front of their store for visitors to see as they make their way through the district.
She also suggested businesses help out visitors when they come into their shops to make their trip easier. She said she offers to hold purchases that were made until customers come back to get them through her business, The Dressing Room.
“A lot like to shop with us and then go on over to the vendors at the Covered Bridge Celebration,” Shoun said. “We have offered to hold their purchases while they go to the festival so they don’t have to carry them with them. We do this as a courtesy for them.”
The Chamber will also be hosting its Annual Gala tonight at the Bonnie Kate Theater and Cafe.
On July 12, the Carter County Car Club will host the larger annual show in downtown. The show will begin at 9 a.m.