Singing at the Fox Pavilion

2007 Recap

During 2007 several businesses either opened their doors for the first time in the Chestnut Street District or moved the location of their current store to downtown Hays. Businesses that opened in 2007 include Main Street Express, Dennis Schiel Studio & Gallery, Coffee Rules, and Document Resources. Pottery Works, though not a new business in downtown Hays reopened during the past year as well.

Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Studio and Northglen Antiques were among the businesses that chose to relocate downtown. “I liked the progressive changes happening in the downtown. I thought Northglen would fit well with the theme of heritage and history that is present in the Chestnut Street District,” explained Susan McRae Bickle, owner of Northglen Antiques.

Besides new businesses being welcomed into the Chestnut Street District, there were also several businesses who decided to remodel including Midwest Music, Hamm’s True Value and Carpet One. “Inspired by the rejuvenation of Downtown Hays, along with recent trends in our industry, we set out to create a look and atmosphere that connected the beauty of music with the inviting warmth of home,” explained Brian Forniash, store manager of Midwest Music.

During 2007 the DHDC hosted or assisted with several events and projects that took place in downtown Hays. These events included the Women’s Leadership Conference, the International Edible Book Festival, Wild West Festival parade, Blues & BBQ Sidewalk Sale Event, Taste of Downtown Hays, FrostFest Holiday celebration and more. “We try our best to continually come up with new and exciting events and activities that will bring community members to the area so they can see for themselves all the Chestnut Street District has to offer,” explained Sabrina William, DHDC Coordinator.

In addition to assisting with several events in downtown, the DHDC also assisted with several projects throughout the past year including trademarking the Chestnut Street District logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, assisting with the Community Wayfinding Sign project and the 8th Street Reconstruction Planter project.

As the downtown area continues to develop, the DHDC looks forward to another exciting year in 2008. A few things to look for this year include the further expansion of the Hays Arts Council, the potential remodeling of the Hadley Center North wing for Ellis County offices, and the grand opening of Bildschon Baby.

Blues and BBQ

Midewest Music Ribbion Cutting

Northglen Antiques

Coffee Rules

Dennis Schiel Studio & Gallery Ribbion Cutting