The ART in FIRE

Explore the Many Opportunities in Downtown Visalia

Destination Downtown

by Kelly Hauert and Elaine Martell

Downtown Visalia is thriving with things to do, great restaurants and shops to visit and is planning more events than ever! New things to do are happening every month and marking your calendars for September promises to be fun for all.
The Downtown Visalia Foundation is sponsoring two fundraisers. Tuesday, September 22 Choices presents the B52’s at the Fox Theatre and a free concert by the funk ‘n soul Average White Band (AWB) on Saturday, September 26 on Main Street at Encina.

The B-52’s will be showcasing their new album “Funplex” and of course, playing their many favorites including “Love Shack” which hit the Billboard top 40 along with many other chart toppers. Following on Saturday, the community will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Average White Band as they perform their dance hits at a Free concert on Main in front of the Fox Theatre. The street will be filled with food, beverages, artists and classic cars. There’s something for everyone at these events!  Tickets are on sale NOW at www.vallitix.com  for the B-52’s.

Foundation News and Updates
Established at the beginning of this year, the Downtown Visalia Foundation’s purpose for this public charity is to establish partnerships to enhance Visalia. Don’t let the name fool you, it is community-based in focus. The 9-member board, led by President Barbra Hood, has the following art goals for the first two years.

Art & Entertainment District Designation:  The designation of an arts and entertainment district will establish a marketing program to encourage tourism in the region.
Public Art Program:  Outdoor public art enhances our environment and allows access for every age to the wonders of it. The program will also help to bring attention to the art community.
Art & Entertainment District Marketing Program:  Events to be developed to keep supporting the arts and growing all our venues.

Downtown Spotlight
While the economy continues to be a concern, there are many bright spots appearing downtown. Take for instance Keity Doyle. This young entrepreneur is literally up to her eyeballs in cupcakes. Even before the grand opening of The Frosted Muffin on Church Street, she baked samples of all 28 flavors of her mini delights. Keity had to keep baking all day to keep up with the demand! Upon entering her bakery you thought she had hired an entire kitchen full of employees. Instead you got to meet her family who were all there to help with the opening.  Even her grandmother sat in the front lobby telling everyone about how wonderful the cupcakes taste and showing off the muffin ware neatly stacked and tied with satin bows.

Stay tuned for more bright spots appearing Downtown Visalia. This economy isn’t holding back great entrepreneurs who make opportunity happen!