The inaugural Love and Live Local was held Friday through Sunday in downtown Maysville, drawing large crowds throughout the weekend.
Maysville-Mason County Tourism Director Lacey Holleran said the event was successful.
“Friday went very well,” she said. “It started out with a little rain, but then people started coming down. There were tons of people roaming around, checking things out and rediscovering. That was what the weekend was for. We had people in the Cox building, the art guild set out artwork and all of the businesses I talked to had an uptick in visitors and customers.”
Main Street Director Caroline Reece said one business ran out of items.
“Sprinkles of Hope literally ran out of items and she was so worried, because she wanted to stay open, but they had to close and bake more items for (Saturday),” she said. “That’s a good problem to have.”
Reece said some of the stores were running specials.
“The businesses have stepped up to make it special,” she said.
Mason County Industrial Authority Executive Director Owen McNeill said the weekend was even better than expectations.
“We couldn’t be more pleased,” he said. “Think about this being the first of a series coming up of every second weekend to focus on downtown Maysville. Every merchant we’ve spoken to has seen an uptick of customers and sales that will help their bottom line, and that’s the point of this weekend.”
McNeill said he, Holleran and Reece will be meeting with the downtown merchants to discuss what went well and what did not work.
“We feel like it will only get better,” he said. “You’re getting closer to holidays and we want to remind people to shop local and keep those economic dollars local.”
Reece also said the Pickers and Grinners helped with the downtown event.
“It’s a fun event and it just adds more flare to our event,” she said.
“When our businesses come together to support, promote and do unique events on their own that help make the larger event better, we are always going to improve,” she said.
Holleran said she believes the second weekend event will only grow.
“The sky is the limit,” she said.
