This October there will be specially-crafted, one-of-a-kind skeletons throughout downtown! From wild and wacky, to spooky and eerie, these skeletons are designed to reflect local businesses and organizations unique to Kalamazoo.
The skeletons will be revealed officially on Saturday, October 5 with a kick off party on Bates Alley! Bates Alley will be lined with kids activities, live music, and a professional pumpkin carving demonstration. Afterward, make sure to walk, or take the Trolley of Terror, around downtown to enjoy the wide variety of skeletons and even a featured drink special event.
Want to get involved? Become a sponsor! For just $300, your organization can have their very own custom designed skeleton that reflects your unique organization. Click here for the sponsor form.
Downtown Streets Design Meeting
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 6:30pm – 8:00pm;’ Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | 435 West South Street
Local control of several Downtown streets has created the opportunity for the City of Kalamazoo to realize many aspects of the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 (IK2025) plan that relate to connectivity, transportation, and safety.
It’s time to decide what we want our streets to look like! Please attend the first meeting to see where things are at since IK2025 and share your input on the future design of our Downtown streets!
Upcoming Events
Beats on Bates | June-August | Bates Alley
Beats on Bates, a weekly summer music series launched Wednesday, June 5th and will continue each Wednesday through August 28.
Grab drinks or dinner at one of the Bates Alley businesses or just sit and relax and enjoy the music with family and friends.
On August 7, join Out of Favor Boys for a mix of blues favorites and original music off four CDs.
On August 14, Schlitz Creek (sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo) will bring you an evening of bluegrass music.
Make sure to pack your workout gear on Tuesday nights this summer for Workout Wednesdays in downtown Kalamazoo!
Workout Wednesdays launched June 5, and will continue through August 28. The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is partnering with local health and fitness focused organizations to provide a free fitness class at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Classes start at 5:30 p.m.
There’s an entire summer of events scheduled in Downtown Kalamazoo – check out the full slate of events here.
Business Highlight
Gazelle Sports Located at 214 S. Kalamazoo Mall Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10a-8p | Sat. 10a-6p | Sun. 12p-5p
Meet the owner! Kalamazoo founder – Chris Lampen-Crowell. Partners – Ken Sung and Jean Sequite. Gazelle Sports began in 1985 in 2000 Sq Ft at the corner of Mall and DeVisser Alley (still part of the current location) expanded in 1991 and again in 2007 to current space. Opened Piranha Alley in 1989 (now part of KaZoo Skate Zoo) behind the store on the alley then expanded to the mall in the space that is now the southern portion of Gazelle Sports.
What does Gazelle Sports sell? To say Gazelle Sports sells high quality running, walking and fitness apparel and footwear would certainly be true, but that hardly tells the whole story. Each and every day, they strive to provide the best customer care, building relationships and empowering and inspiring others to move. Their mission is to foster and support an active community, giving back more than they take. Some of their favorite brands are Brooks, Hoka, Lulu Lemon, Lole, and Patagonia. Products are guaranteed, so you can return anything if not satisfied.
What is unique? Gazelle Sports staff receive extensive training as a new hire (called the new hire marathon) and then ongoing every week. They are the heart and soul of the business. Additionally, Gazelle offers free clinics, weekly group runs and training programs to help you keep moving. Make sure to join in on a brand new event – Twilight Trail Fest that is a 5K and 10K trail run on August 23 at Al Sabo!
How to stay in the know? Stay in the loop on all products and happenings by following Gazelle Sports on Facebook and Instagram or at their website.
P.S. Gazelle Sports created the Gazelle Sports Foundation in 2014 to provide grant money to organizations that work to reduce barriers to fitness and active living. Two percent of Gazelle Sports profits plus some of the proceeds from Gazelle Sports events goes to fund the foundation. Grant applications are due August 1 and awarded in October each year. More info at gazellesportsfoundation.org