Old Town Commercial Association
Old Town Newsletter - May 2024
Welcome to the May edition of the Old Town newsletter! As spring continues to thrive in our community, we're excited to share updates, events, and initiatives this month.. Join us in our mission to celebrate and support local businesses, artists, and residents!
by Tia Barrera on May 15
Yay May! Our neighborhood is in bloom and summer is coming, and we're so excited for all the district happenings this month and beyond. Not only can you find something awesome happening in Old Town each week. 517 Day is a city-wide celebration of Lansing being held this weekend too! Following 517 Day, the Best of Lansing festival is on Saturday, May 18 and we'd love to see some familiar faces at the OTCA booth!
While you can read on to find an extensive list of district events, there are a few I'd like to shed some light on. First up is the Arts Night Out 2024 kickoff on the evening of Friday, May 17. You'll find many talented artists and local makers inside some of our shops around Old Town and it's a can't-miss event. The very next day will be a celebration of life for our friend Ted Stewart (late owner of Metro Retro) with TedFest, where many of our shops will host activities, sales, or special events in Ted's honor.
Toward the end of the month, catch us at Wake Up Old Town on May 30 at 8:30am at Old Town General Store! Light breakfast snacks will be provided and it'll be a great morning to meet folks around Old Town while enjoying the beautiful courtyard behind the general store. Later that day, we'll be at the Turner-Dodge house for the ArtPath 7 Ribbon Cutting where all are welcome to celebrate the kickoff of an incredible installation of masterpieces (in many different forms) along the Lansing River Trail.
There's so much more to come and we want everyone to enjoy all that Old Town has to offer. If you're ever in need of a welcoming place, this community is the one for you. Whether you're most comfortable enjoying a cup of coffee at Blue Owl, or finding the perfect vintage fit at Thrift Witch, or need a little self-care courtesy of UnCovered Beauty Studio, we can't wait to see you around Old Town.
Samantha Benson
OTCA Executive Director
THIS MONTH’S
TOP STORIES
Get Ready for Spring Cleaning!
by Tia Barrera on May 15
As the vibrant colors of spring emerge, it's time for us to come together and rejuvenate our beloved Old Town neighborhood. Our annual Spring Cleanup is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it a success!
When: Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 8:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Old Town, Lansing
Spring Cleanup isn't just about tidying up our surroundings; it's about coming together to share our spirit and pride of our community. By volunteering, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow neighbors, enjoy the fresh air, and contribute to the beauty of our environment.
We'll be tackling various tasks, including:
- Raking leaves and debris
- Planting flowers and shrubs
- Trash pick up
Your participation is crucial to the success of our Spring Clean-Up! Whether you can spare an hour or the entire day, every pair of hands makes a difference. Don't worry if you're not a gardening expert or a DIY guru; there will be tasks suited for all abilities!
We will provide materials, but please feel free to bring anything you feel might help!
Sign-up here!
Let's make this year's Spring Cleanup our best one yet! Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested in joining us. The more, the merrier!
Together we can make a difference and create a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming environment for all. Thank you in advance for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there!
In addition to our Spring Cleanup, the Walnut Neighborhood will be working outside too -- and they could use your help! They'll be at Burchard Park (on the west side of the river) this Saturday, May 18 from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Join Us for Wake Up Old Town: May Edition!
by Tia Barrera on May 15
Are you ready to wake up and shake up Old Town once again? We're thrilled to announce the second Wake Up Old Town! This month's session will be hosted on May 30th from 8:30am to 9:30am by our friends at Old Town General Store, located at 408 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Old Town.
Wake Up Old Town is not your average networking event. It's a gathering where individuals from all walks of life, both within and outside of the district, can converge to make connections, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding artist, a community activist, or simply someone positive about making a difference, you'll find a warm welcome at Wake Up Old Town.
Together, we can work to create a thriving community where ideas flourish and connections are plentiful.
Don't miss this opportunity to wake up your creativity, energize your network, and contribute to the continued vibrancy of Old Town. We can't wait to see you there!
June 1 2024 - A Day of Fun in Old Town!
by Tia Barrera on May 15
Get ready to mark your calendars because June 1, 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable day in Old Town! We're excited for not one, but two fantastic events that promise to delight residents and visitors alike. Here's what's in store:
Chalk of the Town
Join us for a burst of color and creativity as we transform the sidewalks of Old Town into vibrant works of art at Chalk of the Town! Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to unleash their imagination and decorate the streets with mesmerizing chalk masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned or simply want to dabble in some sidewalk chalk fun, Chalk of the Town is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine.
Old Town's Roper Romp - A New Event!
Introducing Old Town's first Roper Romp! Our Roper Romp is a fabulous neighborhood crawl where everyone dresses up like Mrs. Roper (from "Three's Company" and "The Ropers") in red curly wigs, loud 1970's caftans, wild chunky jewelry, and anything else with her big 70's vibes. The romp will go through a few of our favorite businesses and watering holes throughout Old Town, and will gather at some point for a fabulous photo of all of our gorgeous Mrs. Ropers, trivia, and a costume contest! There will be swag, discounted specialty drinks and treats around the neighborhood, and loads of silliness. And it's all in the name of raising money for charity. So please come and escape with us to the magical days of the Regal Beagle! And, if you'd like to volunteer, we'd love to hear from you!
Please contact us at oldtownroperromp@gmail.com
Ticket Sales are Live!
Celebrate 517 Day(s) - May 17 & 18: A Tribute to Lansing's Finest!
by Tia Barrera on May 15
Get ready to show some love for the 517 because May 17 and 18 are just around the corner, and we're gearing up for a celebration like no other! 517 Day(s) is our opportunity to come together and honor everything that makes Lansing truly special.
517 Day(s) is a two-day celebration of what is great about the 517 in Lansing, Michigan. This event is organized by a collective of local businesses and cultural organizations and features an all-day lineup of local talent and activities. 517 Day is a chance to come together and appreciate the unique culture of Lansing through music, art, vendors, and fun.
FRIDAY 5.17.2024 | LANSING SHUFFLE
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Come celebrate the art, food, and music of the 517 at Lansing Shuffle located at 325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing, MI 48912
SATURDAY 5.18.2024 | LANSING CAPITOL
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Come celebrate the Best of Lansing at the State of Michigan Capitol brought to you by Lansing 5:01 and Lansing City Pulse.
The Old Town Commercial Association will have a booth at the capitol on Saturday, May 18.
Bring your friends and family to this one-of-a-kind event and enjoy Lansing's sights, sounds, and tastes. Experience the culture of the 517 and see why Lansing is the place to be!
Arts Council of Greater Lansing Presents: Arts Night Out
by Tia Barrera on May 15
Join us in Old Town Lansing as we celebrate local artists and businesses at Arts Night Out!
The 2024 Arts Night Out season kicks off this Friday night, May 17, 2024 in Old Town Lansing. Presented by the Arts Council, this signature event and Greater Lansing favorite combines arts experiences with Old Town businesses to create a fabulous, fun-filled, free Friday night experience that you will not want to miss!
If you like arts and culture, enjoy shopping or exploring new places and businesses, this event is for you. Bring your family, friends, grandma, that special someone... and come enjoy art exhibitions, live entertainment, chalk art, art demos, and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
There are also great dining options if you want to grab some dinner, and Old Town is a Social District, so you can grab a drink from one of our area restaurants and sip and stroll as you let your curiosity lead you through Arts Night Out!
Upcoming Events & Activities:
Friday, May 17, 2024 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, May 17, 2024 from 11:00am - 11:00pm
TedFest - A Day to Honor Ted Stewart in Old Town
Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Best of Lansing at Lansing Capitol
Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00am - 7:00pm
Walnut Neighborhood Clean-Up at Burchard Park
Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 8:00am - 12:00pm
Candle Making Class with Owosso Candle Company & OTGS at Old Town General Store
Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
May Wake Up Old Town! at Old Town General Store
Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 8:30am - 9:30am
Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Call to Action: Get Involved!
Are you passionate about Old Town’s heritage and vitality? Join us in making a difference! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending our events, or supporting our initiatives, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, we can create a thriving community we’re proud to call home.
Ready to get started? Fill out our volunteer interest form!
Current Volunteer Opportunity - Old Town Spring Cleanup 2024
Join us as we come together to beautify the Old Town neighborhood! Tools will be provided, but please feel free to bring equipment that you feel will be helpful.
Connect with Us:
Stay updated on all things Old Town by following us on social media:
Facebook: Old Town Lansing
Instagram: oldtownlansing
Contact Information:
Old Town Commercial Association
1232 Turner Street
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 485-4283
Email: oldtown@oldtownmainstreet.org
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Old Town’s success. Welcome to our new OTCA members: Old Town Chiropractic and Gillespie Group! Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our community!
Warm regards,
Tia Barrera
Volunteer & Communications Specialist | AmeriCorps Member
Old Town Commercial Association
Old Town Commercial Association
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