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Blueberry Feedback Good

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FROM A READER

Published: June 21, 2008

Editor:

On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to thank all the folks who participated in and attended our summer quarterly Blueberry Shop 'n' Stroll, in downtown New Port Richey on June 14. The fact that it was scheduled on the same day as the inaugural RAP River Run added to the number of folks coming into our beautiful downtown.

It was exciting to be a part of community activity that provided family friendly, healthy and free entertainment to our residents and had a benefit to so many other not-for-profits These Shop 'n' Stroll events are quarterly promotions that encourage folks to come downtown. We want them to eat at the local restaurants and shop in the stores as well as enjoy the many crafters and "treasures" that line downtown sidewalks.

The business merchants who are working with us on the quarterly Shop 'n' Strolls thought to include the fruits of the season. Hence the Strawberry Stroll in March, Blueberry Stroll in June, Pumpkin in October and Poinsettia in December. Since our purpose was to bring people downtown and show off our beautiful city, the event was a success.

We did, however, experience some criticism and we thank the community for its feedback. We strive to improve every activity that we host and we know that there is always room for improvement.

We did have difficulty obtaining blueberries, as our local sources had ended their harvest season. There were, however, farms in northern Florida that were still producing. Our vendor that sold blueberry plants ran out, as some who arrived later in the day unfortunately found out.

The Market on Main, however, as noted in your news article on the event, continued to have delicious blueberry treats throughout the day. The market was easily accessible by way of our shuttle van, loaned to us by Friendly KIA, or the popular horse drawn hay wagon.

We are most thankful for the future availability of Railroad Square, the pedestrian friendly downtown site for our tent vendors, as our next shop 'n' stroll will make good use of that beautiful space. So, thanks to the city, things will be much nicer.

Again, thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, participants and most of all, the attendees, for making the first Blueberry Fest Shop 'n' Stroll such a success.

Jim Smetzer
New Port Richey

The writer, the owner of Pasco Camera Exchange, is chairman of the Shop 'n' Stroll committee.

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