Goodrich-After witnessing several businesses leave the area this spring, Mary Reese decided it was time for action, time for a change, time for ice cream.
While discussing the problems facing small businesses in Goodrich, Reese a Mary Kay representative said she and some of her friends decided it would be beneficial to introduce those businesses to the community in a fun and casual atmosphere. Thus, the idea for the first annual Goodrich Community Fun Fair and Ice Cream Social was born.
From 4-8 p.m. on July 22 at the Goodrich United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 8071 M-15, at least 20 local businesses will gather for food, fun, and interaction.
We need to start networking and wanted to give the businesses here in town a reason to stay,? said Reese.
After approaching local business owners with the idea, Reese said she found many people who jumped at the chance to set up a table representing their business at the impromptu expo for the cost of $20 if they provided a table, $25 if one should be provided for them.
‘I have gotten an unbelievable response,? said Reese.
The event will have free admission and will feature: pizza, cotton candy, balloons, hot dogs, a jump house, dunk tank, face painting, games. Ice cream for the social was donated by Big Jake’s Pizza and Shakes, 10230 Hegel Road.
Reese said attendees will be given a punch card, which , if punched by every vendor, will be entered into a raffle for $100.
Tommy Welch, manager of John’s Steak House, 8038 S.State Road, said he was glad to have the chance for exposure in the community.
‘I thought it was a great idea to keep everybody in the area and spark some interest,? said Welch.
While Welch said business at the steak house has been ‘pretty decent?, he said participation in the social could only be beneficial.
‘I think it’s a great way to promote,? said Welch.
‘We’re all really in it for the exposure,? agreed Reese. ‘Even if the businesses themselves start networking, that’s a start. The people that come are gravy on top of that.?
Reese said she felt the activity would be a fun summer time event for the community.
‘Good Times in Goodrich is great, but it’s in September,? said Reese. ‘What a perfect prelude to that this is.?
After participating in last year’s Good Times in Goodrich, Welch said he learned valuable connections can be made at such community-oriented events.
‘You can expand your business, definitely,? said Welch. ‘We did.?
And as helpful as the exposure was for getting customers, Welch said some of his most valuable connections were made with fellow local business owners.
‘It’s good to lean on (other local businesses),? said Welch. ‘It’s not so much these people have to be your competitors, they can be your teammates.?
Details: (810) 636-7858.