This summer has seen a wave of pink splash onto Main Streets across Virginia. The new Barbie movie has inspired several of communities and their small businesses to participate in the phenomenon that has been growing worldwide. The buzz has provided a fun and creative means of promoting Main Street businesses, while joining in on the Barbie celebration. From dressing up, to displays, and events, it has been a treat seeing what Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities come up with!
Pop culture and fads can be a great tool for promotion and economic vitality. These opportunities provide a vehicle for connection through a shared interest and can draw locals and visitors to your downtown, stimulating the local economy and deepening community engagement.
Apart from Barbie, another great example would be Staunton’s Queen City Mischief and Magic, a weekend festival based on the Harry Potter series. The festival started as a grassroots celebration organized by fans of the series but has grown into one of Staunton’s largest events. This year’s Queen City Mischief and Magic event will be held on September 23-24.
Image Credit – Dress Up Display: Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.
Image Credit – St. Paul Small Art Gallery: St. Paul Tomorrow
Image Credit – Lemon Buttercream Barbie: Destination Downtown South Boston
Image Credit – Farmers Market Barbie: Destination Downtown South Boston
Image Credit – Western Front Barbie: Western Front Hotel
Image Credit – Facebook Series: Believe in Bristol
Image Credit – Raven’s Nest Coffee House: Main Street Lexington
Virginia Main Street 