SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Economic Development Commission (EDC) is organizing the first-ever Southwick Daze, set for Oct. 6-7.
Southwick Daze will feature vendors at the Southwick Inn parking lot, as well as sidewalk sales and other specials at other town businesses.
The event is scheduled the same weekend as the Granville Harvest Fair, which is held Columbus Day weekend each year. EDC Director Michael McMahon said the hope is that visitors to the Fair will stop in Southwick along the way.
“Hundreds of thousands of people will be going to the Granville Harvest Fair and now that College Highway is almost finished, we thought we would try to drum up a little business for our businesses that may have been affected by construction,” McMahon said.
Many of the Fair’s visitors travel through Southwick via Route 57 and College Highway. Southwick Daze could capitalize on the Fair, giving a boost to local business.
“I think it’s a great concept,” said Selectman Russell Fox, also a small business owner in town. “When we first proposed it, we were anticipating the roads and sidewalks would be done.”
Fox said he is happy the EDC is moving forward with the event, even though the road construction will still be a few weeks from completion.
“Anything to promote business in Southwick is positive,” Fox said.
He hopes visitors to the Fair will stop in Southwick, visit the shops and have lunch.
“I hope it becomes an annual event, but whether or not it’s this particular weekend is for the EDC to work out,” said Fox. “Southwick has a lot to offer.”
McMahon said the EDC is also planning a town-wide celebration next summer that combines the annual BBQ cook-off, Fireman’s Carnival and fireworks.
