SBJ.net Poll

Do you think it’s right for Commercial Street to have its own “First Friday” arts and entertainment event? Why or why not?

For poll results, click here.

What Readers Think

Yes, Commercial Street vendors are promoting center city, just as downtown vendors are

I’m from Kansas City, where we’ve had a First Friday art walk, very successfully, for the past few years. I’m also very familiar with Springfield, having gone to school there. It’s a shame that everybody involved doesn’t see how the “two separate” events can actually complement each other. Market it the right way, and it’s a win-win. The Kansas City art walk covers many square blocks – there’s no reason why the Springfield version shouldn’t do the same, especially if you want people to come back month after month.

—Greg Hoffman, Ward I alderman, Weston, Mo.

The current redevelopment of Commercial Street holds great promise for Springfield and for the center city development efforts. Unlike its historical disconnection from downtown, C-Street’s current development trajectory is complementary (not competitive) to that of downtown, and can help expand the center city offerings for a more diverse population from the region. Just as Jordan Valley has expanded the east-west axis of development in center city, Commercial Street can offer a northern anchor that facilitates redevelopment along the north-south axis of Boonville and other north-south streets. … The May Art Walk was evidence that this community can support both venues for First Friday events.

—Wendy B. Anderson, Drury University

Other

While I love that the Commercial Street merchants are doing this, I wish they would pick another day. Second Saturday? It’s just too much to do all on one night, and in such a short period of time, so we wind up choosing one or the other in spite of the trolley service.

—Jean Farris, Highland Springs Country Club

While I feel that Commercial Street businesses should be free to promote themselves in a similar event to the one that downtown businesses do, they should choose a different name besides First Friday, perhaps a different day, too. Otherwise, there will be confusion and unnecessary competition between two business segments of town that really cannot afford to compete with each other, as well as compete with the bigger stores and venues elsewhere in Springfield.

—Craig Smith, Drury University

The concept of “First Fridays” isn’t exactly unique to Springfield. The business owners on Commercial Street have the right to promote themselves with what is a national trend just as much as those near the square. They can cooperate or operate separately, but they both have a right to host events. I found this website a good example of cooperation: www.firstfridaymain

line.com/map.html. If those involved will just zoom out a few notches, they’ll notice that the Springfield metro area is rather large. Commercial Street and the square look pretty close to each other from that vantage point. I’d spend my energy on getting more people in, and having more for them to do.

—Jacqueline Tygart, Drury University

I do not feel it is safe to hold that type of gathering on Commercial Street. The downtown square area is fast going that way with too many bars and drunks. I will not expose my family to that hazard.

—Ed Hodge, Positronic Industries

I do think Commercial Street vendors deserve recognition, but I would hope there is a way for Commercial Street and downtown vendors to work collaboratively rather than have a situation develop where it seems as though they are in competition.

—Lynette Goldberg, Missouri State University

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