Garden Grove Downtown Revitalization: Garden Grove Farmers Market
Project Description
Revitalize aging Main Street that used to be vibrant through the 1950s to 1970s but fell victim to a lack of planning and resulted in razing of historical buildings, created poor visibility from major thoroughfares and increased crime.
Solution
Open a farmers market on Sundays to when most businesses are closed and market Main Street through earned media in public media outlets, print materials directly targeting neighboring residents, and website dedicated to updating the community on various market events.
Benchmark
Attract new businesses to Main Street.Obtain funding for landmark signs demarcating Main Street. Remake image of Main Street and downtown by creating a community meeting place.
Project Execution
Raised $65,000 from private donors to purchase advertising on cable television, local newspaper, industry newsletters, radio, and direct mail.Created a website linked to various industry websites, online media outlets, and social networks promoting Main Street and the Farmers Market.Brought up need for increased visibility to local officials in order to attract visitors in local meetings.
Results
Success! From the opening of the Farmers Market and beginning of the promotional campaign in August 2006 from the closing of the market in February 2008 three new restaurants, two new retail establishments, and a landmark overhead sign provided by the County of Orange were created.
