Businesses in downtown Tucson flew American flags and hung up red, white, and blue bumpers on their buildings to celebrate Flag Day. However, they'll stay there throughout the summer -- in an effort to bring more green to their businesses.
"We want to take our downtown back to the old days," Margo Susco said. "Where people came downtown to celebrate events, where little kids pointed at display windows, where people came together. Downtowns were always decorated -- they were the hub."
Happy #FlagDay! A group of small business owners downtown #tucson trying to celebrate more days like this to draw people downtown @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/KJsl3LS1aZ
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) June 15, 2017
Susco has owned Hydra, a small business on Congress St., for 23 years. She's watched downtown Tucson change over the years with a front row seat. In her eyes, it's lacked a "homey" feel and it didn't always feel like a destination. However, by dressing up the town for celebrations, she thinks it brings a hometown feel.
"It's been a long time coming," she said. "We've seen lots of ups and downs, but I'll tell you, Tucson is on the map."
Susco said this is Flag Day celebration is just the start of downtown getting decorated for holidays and celebrations. She thinks this will help attract more people downtown. 37-year Tucson resident Anita Kellman agrees, and said she hopes it does.
"It gives that hometown feel with the flags out at the stores, seen in the windows," Kellman said. "It does make it feel more patriotic and welcoming."
Downtown #Tucson small biz owner tells me having flags & bunting makes a "homey" feel, good for community, more attractive spot @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/auu48rQCvP
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) June 15, 2017
As a business owner and proud resident, Susco believes this is an important investment that small business owners are making in their clientele -- aka, Tucsonans -- that will benefit all parties.
"It's hard working, downtown business people who really believe in our downtown, and that's exactly it," she said.
