Retail committee talks parades, shopping

A lot is happening in downtown Thermopolis in the upcoming months and the Retail Committee is preparing for it all.

This weekend, for the Hot Springs County High School Reunion, the committee plans to brighten main street with balloons and is asking downtown businesses to participate in Christmas in July with sales, promotions, etc.

With the recent Fourth of July parade, the retail committee discussed their thoughts on the number of parades the community holds.

The general feeling was that with a large number of parades retailers, spectators, and participants are all feeling worn out and it might be a better approach to have focus on fewer, more spectacular parades.

Chamber Director Meri Ann Rush said she would bring the committee's comments to the next chamber meeting.

Small Town Saturday is an event that has been growing in small communities around the country and the retail committee plans to increase Thermopolis participation this year.

The committee is working with a program sponsored by American Express to provide promotional materials, but the program requires participation with at least ten businesses. Participation in the program does not cost the business anything except their time.

The committee tabled the topic to discuss more at the next meeting and moved on to a tour of Needful Things. The tour is part of a goal for the retail committee which is to tour as many businesses as possible to become more familiar with Thermopolis stores.