MOUNT GILEAD — Warm weather brought visitors to the inaugural Downtown Days Saturday.
“The Escape Guy” Michael Griffin entertained the crowd. Children painted rocks courtesy of the Mount Gilead Public Library.
Two food trucks provided snacks; merchants opened their doors and some had sidewalk sales.
“We love what’s happening so far,” said Bret Kuchar, president of the Mount Gilead Merchants Association. “We need your help to get the word out, and help to get others to come out for the ones we have planned.”
Griffin used willing audience members to demonstrate sleight of hand and showed his escape artistry with a chain and a rope.
The merchants group plans the next one for June 26 in conjunction with the village-wide garage sale that weekend. Hours for Downtown Days will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Barefoot McCoy, a singer/songwriter, will perform near the square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. He sings and plays folk and Americana music.
Other Downtown Days events will take place through the summer and fall weekends.
“Shopping local is what keeps America going,” Kuchar said as he encouraged everyone to visit the downtown shops.
Mount Gilead Bucks is a promotion participating businesses are using to bring in more customers. The group encourages more businesses to participate in the events.
