COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – There could a future reconfiguration of Strawberry Fest and Apple Fest in downtown Coldwater.
Community Enrichment Director Julie Santure presented a power point to the Downtown Development Authority on Wednesday morning which detailed some of the problems and safety concerns they are now encountering in the current set up.
She said U.S. 12 is not ideal for festivals due in part to recent enhancements in the downtown area.
This year’s Applefest on September 17 will be affected by the current downtown construction.
They have found out from MDOT that shutting down U.S. 12 to traffic for up to 10 hours is not an option. Santure proposed moving the events to South Hanchett Street and the Tibbits Plaza.
Santure said she is open to other proposals.
The Recreation Department took over control of the Festivals in 2019.
Last Saturday’s Strawberry Fest had 160 different vendors, which was more than ever before.
If my memory serves me the flower pots and trees have been a staple on the sidewalks downtown for as many years as the events. Wouldn’t moving the events to a parking lot congestion the parking even more than it is? How about put venders all the way down Monroe street in both directions. North and south. Go past SMBT. Plus there is the parking lot by the old shoppers guide which venders could utilize.