FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 6, 2020

Contact: Meghan Behymer | Communications + Marketing Manager
mbehymer@downtownkalamazoo.org | 269-344-0795

Downtown Kalamazoo is kicking off its inaugural Makers’ Month, a celebration of invention, creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning with 20+ downtown businesses. Throughout the month of March, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is encouraging the people of all ages to explore the makers of our downtown community through events, workshops and promotions.

“Kalamazoo is a community of creators, and we want to celebrate that strength. We hope visitors will come downtown to get an inside look at how downtown businesses are creating and roll up their sleeves to participate in the activities.” Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership President Andrew Haan said. “Makers are essential contributors to downtown’s growth and vibrancy, but also to the broader community and region.”

Makers Month Activities

To kick off Makers’ Month, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is inviting the community to participate in any of the 30+ activities at 22 downtown businesses. There are activities for all ages and interests, including candle-making the annual Fretboard Festival, workshops to learn popcorn recipes, pizza-making, and more.

Visit downtown makers, win Downtown Dollars

While enjoying all the great Makers’ Month activities downtown, visitors are also eligible to win up to $350 in Downtown Dollars, which can be spent in 30+ downtown businesses. It’s simple – visitors simply pick up their Official Makers’ Month passport at any participating business, visit 20 of the participating businesses and receive a sticker, turn in their passport at the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership offices, and be entered to win $350 in Downtown Dollars! Can’t visit 20? Don’t worry, visitors who stop into at least five participating businesses are eligible to win $100, and visitors who stop into at least 10 participating businesses are eligible to win $200.

Makers’ Month participating businesses include: AT&T Store, Blush Salon & Spa, Central City Tap House, Clock N Lock Escape Rooms, Colors & Cocktails, Down Dog Yoga Center, Food Dance, Glass Art Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Athletic Club, Kalamazoo Candle Company Marketplace, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Olde Peninsula Brewpub & Restaurant, Pop City Popcorn, Rocket Fizz, Sarkozy Bakery and Café, Teel Jewelers, Tempo Vino Winery of Kalamazoo, The Spirit of Kalamazoo, The Aroma Labs, The Union, The Wine Loft and West Michigan Beer Tours.

For information about Downtown Dollars and locations where dollars can be spent, visit downtownkalamazoo.org/dollars.

About Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is a private, non-profit organization that works with both the public and private sectors in preserving and enhancing the economic health of Kalamazoo’s downtown area and, in turn, the Kalamazoo community. In conjunction with its affiliate organizations, it manages a full range of activities that include capital improvement projects, business development and recruitment programs, image marketing and event planning in order to establish Downtown Kalamazoo as an accessible, diverse, green, progressive and vibrant urban center. For more information, visit downtownkalamazoo.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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