The results are in! Last month the CRC Promotion Committee Volunteers conducted a survey during Clearfield’s March Madness Event, and interestingly enough had a surprising conclusion. The CRC had a volunteer at each location: Grice Gun Shop, Bob’s Army and Navy, Jim’s Sports Center and outside Zalno’s Jewelers, asking customers for their zip code, who they were shopping with, what their plans where that weekend, and what would they like to see in our town in the future.
Most of the locals said they would like to see more shops and places to eat in town, as well as a grocery store. This was no surprise. However, the majority of out of town folks stated they were in town only to shop at Grice’s, Bob’s and Jims, not because that’s all they were interested in, but because they did not know what else Clearfield had to offer.
Ding! Ding! Ding! This is an opportunity for Clearfield! Next year, the CRC would like to work with the community to create a flyer that includes a map of downtown, listing all the retail shops, places to eat, and a list of activities/things to do during that particular weekend. If the CRC passed this flyer around to the guests in town during March Madness, this should answer the question of “what else is there to do” and will start the trend to turn this into a weekend getaway for our guests.
As far as my “message from the manager,” here goes: changing these habits is easier said than done. This routine of coming into town and leaving has developed over the course of many years, and the pattern will not change overnight. However, by providing guests with places to go and things to do in our town, they will stay and invest in our town longer, will have a higher potential to visit more often (since there are more things pointed out for them to do) and they would want to share their experience by traveling with friends and family. This is the growth that Clearfield needs, and thankfully it’s never too late to start this change.
Moving on to the next topic, I want to introduce two new events coming to Downtown Clearfield this summer. The CRC Promotions Committee is hosting the “Anything that Floats” Boat Regatta and the “Amazing Race: Downtown Clearfield Challenge.” These two CRC events are scheduled during the Riverfront Festival, as the CRC saw the opportunity to make the Festival bigger and better. By adding these two activities to the agenda we’ll help get more folks involved in their community and to come out for a fun family weekend. I have all the rules, times and information you’ll need for these activities, as the Race is Friday (June 11) at 10 a.m., and the Regatta is Saturday (June 12) at 1 p.m. In a nut shell, we’re looking for boats in the Regatta, businesses to be a stop along the Amazing Race, and teams to compete in the Amazing Race, too. Please contact me if you are interested, as space will fill up fast. The CRC is encouraging everyone from friends and family to make a boat or compete in the race, but also have your company get involved. Just how fun would it be to race against your boss? Create a friendly traveling trophy between common businesses such as restaurants, taverns or financial institutions. I bet that would make a great story for your Annual Picnic or work Christmas Party.
All in all, these two events are exciting and inexpensive ways for us to have a fun time, to get involved in the community, and to take advantage of the opportunities and gems of our town, like the River and Historical District. We look forward to kicking off these first annual events and hope YOU consider the opportunity to participate in this year’s festivities.