Downtown businesses flourish Sunday

For the second of six “Sunday Fundays” a few dozen downtown businesses opened their doors, heeding the call from area residents who voiced continued comments about shopping downtown on Sundays.

Clarice Beck of Helena strolled down the walking mall with granddaughter Zoë, who was visiting from Missoula. The pair was happy to enjoy browsing through merchandise in the stores as well as outdoor activities offered many business owners.

Shane and Jessica Lindsey frequently head to Taco del Sol for fish burritos before their Sunday service at church — and yesterday, they got a bonus of listening to musician Greg Campbell play guitar.

Shane, a self-proclaimed music lover, said he was thrilled to enjoy “some good pickin’ ” as the couple enjoyed their lunch on a bench outside of the Main News.

Patrons enjoyed free samples of Flathead Lake Monster Huckleberry and Granny Apple soda at the Made in Montana Store. Owner Judy Gilliam said last week was “awesome” and this week was a bit slower. But she somewhat expected that as many residents were out late for the Symphony Under the Stars event at Carroll College Saturday night.

Gilliam says she hopes to bring in a variety of activities and events over the next few Sundays, like a pottery demonstration and music.

Most business owners hope to see their efforts of hanging up the open sign on Sunday a worthwhile endeavor.

Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon, although somewhat hesitant about having to work on Sundays, believes having stores open downtown is a good idea.

“It’s a struggle because most of us (small business owners) are working six days a week running our stores,” says Barrett.

But trying to respond to the needs of her customers while joining forces with many fellow downtown business owners, she agreed to give it a go.

It’s more than just being open, Barrett says, it’s about offering visitors something fun to do.

Barrett has a huge stack of games for patrons to play in the patio area just south of her toy store.

Lasso the Moon was just one of many businesses who scheduled fun events for visitors. A skateboard demo was held at the Skate Shack, an introduction to beading was held at Crazy Woman Beads and free appraisals were given at Gold Girl Antiques.

An additional incentive to get area residents shopping downtown on Sundays is free parking.