“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

 

That was basically the theme of the latest meeting of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport board of directors. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated cancellation of the ABB’s Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival, but 2020 is not over and the ABB is moving forward with determination. There will be some modification, but end-of-year activities are on.

 

Popular with residents and travelers alike, the Main Street Scarecrow Display will take place in October with details to follow.

 

As always, member ABB businesses will be invited to design and display a scarecrow-like character at a designated spot along Main Street. Public voting will take place through Connect-Bridgeport and the traveling trophy will be awarded to the highest vote getter.

 

It may be a blend of virtual and live activities, but if at all possible, Light up Night will take place.

“We’re about community and Light Up Night is a significant part of that,” said ABB President Doug Marquette. “…My thought is I would really like to see us commit to finding a way to make it happen.”

 

Still 13 weeks out from Dec. 3 – the date which Light Up Night was originally scheduled – there are many unforeseen elements. As approaching weeks unfold, the ABB plans to stay tuned to circumstances and guidelines.

 

“Then, we  can assess what’s going on in the community and then our broader community – North Central West Virginia – and if we need to adjust what we do for Light Up Night to fit the circumstances, at least we can still have it,” Marquette said.

 

Typically, Light Up Night brings a couple thousand individuals to downtown Bridgeport to witness the lighting of the city Christmas tree, enjoy live entertainment and food, drinks and other items distributed free of charge by member businesses. In recent years, as many as 40 member businesses have set up along Main Street, decorating their vendor tents for the festive occasion.

 

Also in the works is a fall meeting of member business representatives. Details on that event, tentatively scheduled for mid-October, will be forthcoming soon.

 

Bridgeport businesses are dues-paying members of the ABB can participate in its events. Dues are $95 per year. Prospective members can contact Hilary Gonzalez via email hilary@kaufmanrealty.com.

 

The ABB board meeting was held Thursday, Sept. 3 at My Little Cupcake. Attending were President Doug Marquette, Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Lang and members Jaclyn Rominger, Mark Bonamico, Katie Squires, Hillary Blankenship and Julie Perine.