PEABODY — Peabody Main Streets has launched a new initiative it hopes will not only attract people to the downtown business district, but keep them there.
Friday night It was mission accomplished as hungry shoppers defied hot, muggy conditions and turned out in droves for the first Friday Night on Main Street event.
“We are welcoming people back to downtown and giving them a handful of reasons to kick off their weekend on Main Street,” said Peabody Main Streets Event Manager Lisa Geczi. “We want to change the culture of just coming to the downtown area, eating and leaving, to sticking around for some of the other great things the area has to offer. We want people to stay and help our businesses as they continue to recover (from the pandemic).”
The main event, held in the parking lot behind the Knights of Columbus, featured Night Market, a collection of vendors, artists and small businesses selling things like beauty products, accessories and clothing, handmade jewelry and art pieces. Many businesses on Main Street had outdoor tables as well. Restaurants Santoro’s of Peabody, Granite Coast Brewing Company, Stanzy’s Country Ranch and Brodie’s Backyard offered outside patio dining.
DJ Kevin Angelli provided music from the Peabody Institute Library plaza across from the KOC, while Allan’s Ice Cream offered plenty of cool treats.
A highlight of the evening was the debut of Granite Coast’s new German-style historical beer — the Dampfbier — a blend of lager and Hefeweizen beer.
“It went well,” said Granite Coast’s master brewer, founder and owner Jeff Marquis. “Nearly all of our regulars and over half of our less frequent/new customers asked about the history of the beer and had it either as a five-ounce sample pour or a full pour in our German inspired glassware. I wasn’t told of anyone that didnt like the newest addition to our variety of offerings, and if input continues to come in positively, our Dampfbier will be sure to make a reappearance!”
Marquis said the Dampfbier dates back to the early 1800s.
“Historical beers are ones that were popular at a certain time, then just died out,” Marquis said. “The Dampfbier is unusual in that its taste is unique. You don’t see these kinds of fusion,” adding the beer has a banana rosé aroma with a lager finish.
Friday Night on Main Street will be held from 6-9 p.m. on the second Friday of the month through Dec. 10. Each event will be unique, with different themes and entertainment. There is no charge to attend.
Geczi said the event is the perfect opportunity to eat, drink, socialize and shop locally.
“Folks can visit their favorite local restaurant, enjoy a number of open air patios, take food to go and sit al fresco on our picnic tables and then take a stroll, shop from unique local makers, enjoy some dessert and listen to great music,” she said.
“This event series is about the businesses and giving the community the opportunity to discover downtown again so that they return again and again and know what great businesses and services are right in their backyard. We welcome our residents and surrounding communities to come on out and experience Peabody.”
“Friday Night on Main Street is all about getting people to come out and support our local businesses and having a good time by sticking around for the night,” said Marquis.
