BELLE FOURCHE—State Street took on a fresh look during this year’s Crazy Days on July 24 and 25 as white four-post tents lined the downtown business district. Businesses moved deeply discounted merchandise outside under the tents, creating an inviting shopping atmosphere while providing shade from the summer heat.
One of the driving forces behind growing the annual tradition and drawing more customers to the downtown area is Brittany Wilkinson, owner of Belle Flowers + Co. She worked hard to line up food trucks and vendors to come to the downtown area for the Friday event. “I think people are getting excited and look forward to it every year now,” she shared. “I think the community is getting more involved and getting more excited and spreading the word, and I think because the community turns up the businesses try harder to put stuff out there for them.”
New this year was the utilization of Rail Park to entertain the kids. A Kids Zone was set up with a variety of games and activities located in the park. “I went and I bought a bunch of games for something for the kids to do while the parents shop and kind of keep them downtown here,” explained Wilkinson.
A priority in making the event a festive celebration was inviting food trucks and vendors to join the businesses on State Street and offer even more of a variety to shoppers. “Thank you to the vendors for coming out—we appreciate them so much,” said Wilkinson.
Turnout to this year’s event was so good that planning for the next Crazy Days is already underway! “We’re looking forward to having a bigger year next year, and hopefully more vendors! I have a bunch of ideas and plans for next year and hopefully we can close down the street and maybe add some inflatables and all sorts of stuff—maybe some water games next year—I got a lot of stuff up my sleeve,” said Wilkinson.
Some of the businesses that participated include: Pasque Ladies Fashions, Pearson Block Hous, Pearson Block Candy Shop, Black Hills Curio Company, Quality Quick Print, Belle Flowers + Co., The Emporium 605, Southside Conoco, COWBOYS TOO!, Hitching Post Tap House, Pete’s Clothing & Hodge Bootery, Prairie Hills Pharmacy, Hair Gallery Salon & Spa and Love That Shoppe Antiques.
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