Pets showcased at downtown Camilla Valentine event

CAMILLA — Downtown Camilla businesses went to the dogs — and cats and other pets as well — Tuesday evening for a special pre-Valentine’s Day event.

For a three-hour period starting at 4 p.m., merchants in downtown Camilla had their pets, many dressed in Valetine’s-themed attire, at their stores and shops to greet and meet customers who came by. Despite the event coinciding with some local school and church functions, Camilla Main Street Director Jenny Bostick said she was pleased with the turnout.

“Our first Downtown Camilla Valentine Pet Showcase was so much fun,” Bostick said. “Everyone who was able to come out and see the animals, all dressed up in their Valentine attire, enjoyed mingling with friends and family members and shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts.”

Camilla’s Main Street organization and merchants have been working up some new ways to get more shoppers to visit downtown. Last October, for instance, the community decorated scarecrows and stationed along the streets and in front of businesses, creating some downtown buzz, along with good-natured fun with a best scarecrow contest.

“These special downtown events are fun for everyone – the merchants and the customers,” Bostick said. “Small businesses are the heart of our community and critical to the quality of life we enjoy here in Camilla.”

She said the events are designed to get folks downtown so they can “see what we have to offer. You may really be surprised and, I am quite sure, you will be very pleased with what you find.”