Royal Oak, MI – As the 28th annual Arts, Beats and Eats festival takes place in Royal Oak, the city is ramping up support for its local economy through a unique Downtown Dollars program. The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority is distributing $80,000 worth of $20 gift cards to encourage festival-goers to shop and dine at local businesses throughout September.
This initiative provides an exciting incentive for visitors to explore the vibrant retail and dining scene that Royal Oak has to offer beyond the festival weekend, fostering deeper community connections and boosting the local economy.
Downtown Dollars Program Sparks Community Engagement
The Downtown Dollars program is designed to cultivate enthusiasm for Royal Oak’s businesses by distributing gift cards that can be used at participating downtown establishments. These $20 gift cards are handed out at festival entrance points, inviting attendees to actively support local shops and restaurants during and after the event.
Mario Cutraro, a local restaurant owner of Trattoria da Luigi, has been part of Arts, Beats and Eats since its beginning. He praised the initiative’s role in sustaining familiar customer relationships and enriching the community atmosphere.
“Whenever we see the Royal Oak dollars, it’s usually familiar faces, but it’s nice the city does for those people,” Cutraro said.
Highlighting his favorite aspect of the festival, Cutraro said,
“Favorite parts, hands down, is seeing everybody grilling sausages, staying out, walking the streets. It’s the best.”
Festival as an Introduction to Royal Oak’s Charm
Susan Barkman, interim executive director of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority, emphasized the significance of Arts, Beats and Eats as a welcoming introduction for newcomers.
“It helps people get familiar if you’re not familiar with Royal Oak; it’s a good opportunity to come down and check it out,” Barkman noted.
Beyond attracting visitors for the event, the festival aids business owners in forging lasting connections with customers who often return throughout the year, further sustaining the local economy.
Key Details About the Festival and Gift Card Program
- The Arts, Beats and Eats festival runs from Friday through Monday.
- Festival-goers can sign up to receive Downtown Dollars gift cards with assistance from employees at festival entrances.
- The gift cards are redeemable at participating downtown restaurants, shops, and businesses throughout September.
- The initiative aims to fuel local business growth and encourage exploration of Royal Oak’s diverse offerings beyond the festival.
For more information and live updates, viewers can watch Tiarra Braddock’s detailed video report on this community initiative. Visit the full story and report here.
Celebrating Community and Commerce
The combined energy of Arts, Beats and Eats and the Downtown Dollars program highlights Royal Oak’s commitment to supporting its business community while creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for all. The festival’s appeal is not only in its entertainment but also in its ability to nurture local commerce and deepen neighborhood pride.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the festival and gift card program present a fantastic way to enjoy quality time, savor great food, explore unique shops, and strengthen the local economy.
What do you think about Royal Oak’s gift card giveaway during Arts, Beats and Eats? Have you visited Royal Oak’s downtown businesses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
