The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Shop Owensboro Summer Edition, powered by Independence Bank, on Saturday.
And 38 businesses are participating this year.
Willow & Pine Market, 126 W. Second St., has participated in the event for years.
“It’s usually really great,” Isabel Higgins said Wednesday. “It’s a great little boost in the middle of summer.”
In 2020, to help merchants — many of whom had closed for weeks because of COVID-19 restrictions — the chamber created a summer version of its popular Shop Owensboro campaign that’s on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The idea was to help local merchants, restaurants and other small businesses.
It was so successful that some merchants said it was like “Christmas in July.”
So, the chamber kept the event, which returns this year for the sixth time.
Candance Castlen Brake, chamber president, said, “We are always delighted to celebrate Shop Owensboro in July. Shopping local is one of the most impactful ways that each of us can be a part of our community’s success.
“Our local businesses are the first people we ask for donations, support and volunteers. They need to feel our support now more than ever. This will be the perfect time to back-to-school shop for the new clothes and materials kids need before beginning the school year.”
She said the participating businesses have special deals and discounts on Saturday.
Legends Outfitters, The New Oasis Tanning & Wellness Salon & Boutique, Boutique 54, Peacocks and Pearls, J.J. Fosters, Don Mario’s Mexican Restaurant, Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, Kingdom Cords, Lance & Co. Jewelers, Mellow Mushroom, Red Wing Shoes, Chicken Salad Chick, Rowland Family Dentistry, The Earle Men’s Store, 54 Pizza.
Something Borrowed, Little Explorers Play Café, Hill View Farms Market, Dispo, The Golf Emporium, Shoe Stop, Rock N Roll Sushi, Meadow House Flowers & Gifts, The Skin Lab, Bella Ragazza Boutique, Champion Ford Mazda, Willow and Pine Market, Nick T. Arnold Jewelers, Reflections By Talea Photography, Owensboro Health Healthpark.
Confetti Boutique, Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel, Byron & Barclay, Ivy Trellis Floral and Gift, Mancave For Men, Robin’s Resale & Boutique, Wink Creative Co. and Reid’s Orchard.
By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer