Court Street was not packed during the first Athens Business-Community Fair on Saturday, but organizers were pleased with the number of students and community members who attended.
Student Senate, Athens City Council and Athens Area Chamber of Commerce attracted 65 businesses that were eager to advertise directly to the public.
The primary purpose of the fair was to show new students about the businesses in Athens
said Larry Payne, the Athens Chamber of Commerce Member Services Coordinator.
Surprisingly, many people from the Athens community attended, Payne said.
Planning for next year's fair will begin in a few months, Payne said, and will include stronger advertising to the community.
Now that we have the business-end organized we should spend more time on advertising to students said Amanda Estock, Student Senate's city-county commissioner.
Businesses located beyond Court Street used the fair as an opportunity to reach out to students.
A lot of people didn't even realize we were in town
said Arlene Gram from Long John Silver's. They say
'Oh there's a Long John Silver's here?' Unless they go to Wal-Mart
they don't notice us.
Some businesses such as Decorative Injections, 44 N. Court St., and Brenen's Coffee Cafe, 38 S. Court St., offered coupons or a chance to win gift certificates to their shops. Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 1/2 W. Washington St., gave away free drinks to passers-by.
Businesses such as the Bulk Food Depot, 5457 Radford Rd. and Jenniflair, a jewelry enterprise owned by Jennifer Krisch, came to the Business-Community Fair to sell their products directly to students.
Others were looking to promote their messages.
People liked the art
colors and ideas of Passion Works
said Joyce Frank, studio coordinator of Passion Works, which sells unique artwork co-produced by people with and without developmental disabilities.
Court Street was closed from noon to 3 p.m. between Union Street and Washington Street for the event.
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