Many parents are looking for family-friendly activities they can enjoy before their kids go back to school, but a group of downtown businesses is offering a creative way to have fun and beat the summer heat at the same time.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 12 businesses, including Urban K9, Buona Caffe, Augusta Candle Company, and Mod Ink, will participate in the second annual Camp Soul City hosted by Downtown Soul City, an organization that promotes businesses in that part of the city and encourages downtown visitors to shop local.
Downtown Soul City’s Coordinator and former General Manager of The Bee’s Knees, John Porter said one of the benefits of shopping at local businesses is getting to know the people who own those businesses, which doesn’t typically happen when shopping at corporate retailers.
“We can talk to you and understand what you want,” Porter said. “We really want to reach as many people as we can in the community.”
Activities will include creating tie-dye T-shirts at Grantski Records, making your own bug spray at Field Botanicals, and throwing water balloons at Urban K9. Many of the activities are free, but some will cost a small fee to participate.
He also encourages attendees to sign up for Downtown Soul City memberships, which allow them to reserve spots at each of the activities.
“We want to engage with people and show them they can bring their kids downtown and have a good time,” Porter said.
He said the goal is to increase both the number of attendees and downtown businesses participating in events like Camp Soul City.
“We want to get to where most if not all the businesses are working together to plan big events for the community,” Porter said. “We all benefit when we work together.”
For more information, visit downtownsoulcity.squarespace.com/camp-soul-city-more-info.
