By Jennifer DeGregorio / WLD
Last year at this time I was invited to visit friends in Frisco, Col. I’d never been to a ski town before and, as a lover of hot weather, I was surprised to find that I was actually enjoying the frigid outdoors. There were cafes on nearly every corner offering heat lamps, firepits and warm drinks. Kids with rosy cheeks, barely visible beneath their hats and scarves, were roasting marshmallows and there was pure magic in their laughter.
The cheerfulness felt with every passerby created an energy that was contagious and I found myself wondering, why doesn’t my little town of Dexter do something like this in the wintertime?
I’ve always been a pretty big believer that support for local businesses is hugely important in order to have a thriving community. I also believe too, that small businesses have to give their customers an experience that makes them want to support them.
Now, one year after my mini trip to Frisco, this has never been more true. The coronavirus has forced small businesses to get creative and the ability to adapt with flexibility and determination is vital for survival.
For most of the year now, I’ve watched our town of Dexter come together in support of each other.
I’ve watched many of our small businesses pivot quickly in a new direction to comply with The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) orders and recommendations. I’ve watched businesses like the Dexter Beer Grotto scramble to find extra outdoor tables and the hard to find yet desperately necessary heat lamps that add warmth and charm to Main Street.
Other establishments like the Dexter’s Pub, have created nightly family meals to encourage more take out orders. I’ve also been thoroughly impressed with Revive for their creative, upbeat social media campaigns that make me want to buy a shake simply to soak up some of their vibe. Small businesses in Dexter are doing their part to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our community.
Now it’s our turn.
Tonight, as I drove past the Beer Grotto with their brilliant orange heat lamps lighting the night sky, I saw people (no more than a few at each spaced out table) bundled up, drinking something warm and laughing. I thought of my trip to Frisco and I felt like, for the first time in a while, we can really get through this.
We can be careful, safe and cautious, while still holding each other up. Because this is our community and if we don’t use it, we will most definitely lose it. Stay safe everyone and Happy Holidays!
