Boom or bust?
Business was booming Sept. 16 in Marion. Not only was business good for vendors in Central Park, but local businesses, too.
The question has been raised about how special events such as Art in the Park affect local businesses. Sure, not all businesses had record-setting days but most experienced a profit larger than a typical Saturday.
Old Settlers' Day is this weekend and no, it may not have the same effect as Art in the Park but the local motel, restaurants, and retailers will experience an increase in sales.
It's a shame businesses like McGillicuddy's and the Kingfisher Steakhouse and Lounge aren't open to reap these benefits.
The owners of McGillicuddy's closed their doors because business was almost too good. They had a difficult time finding and keeping competent help, and wanted to focus on another business they owned.
High fuel prices and bad luck were partly to blame for the demise of Kingfisher's. The customer-base from outside the county was lower than usual because of fuel prices.
On the other hand, more local people should have been supporting the establishment.
Detours didn't help either with some people not wanting to take the long way around to the restaurant.
Several necessary repairs to equipment that occurred in a 30-day period drained the owners' finances and they found themselves closing their doors after nine months of operation.
Whether it's a special event or just another day in our lives, local businesses need our support.
— SUSAN BERG
