Downtown businesses, DWBA report strong turnout for summer events; theater schedule and farmers market previewed

Business owners and Downtown Westbend Association representatives used the BID board meeting to highlight summer programming, report strong early turnout at farmers markets and preview a slate of theater and fundraising events.

Carrie Miller, who said she owns two downtown businesses, introduced herself and described services that include permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing. “I'm Carrie Miller and I own uh two businesses downtown Westbend,” she told the board, adding she mentors young women entering business and works with cancer survivors who need areola restoration and eyebrow restoration.

Paul Zarling, owner of Client First Tax and Wealth Advisors, described his downtown location and said he appreciates façade grants and the economic activity driven by coordinated events. “We've been downtown the entire time in historic downtown. It's been great,” he said.

Representatives from the Downtown Westbend Association reported that last week’s block party and the Music on Main kickoff were particularly successful. Nate said the farmers market has been strong in its early season, with stall occupancy around 85–95 percent. Noel said police estimated about 6,100 people attended the block party this year, up from about 5,500 the previous year, and previewed upcoming programming at the Ben Theater: a showing of Space Balls, a screening of student short films with a Q&A, a Duran tribute, a benefit called Sounds of Support for Casa Guadalupe and headline acts including Tom Arnold. Noel also noted an upcoming local staging of 1776 in early July to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation.

Board members and staff emphasized coordination between the BID, the Downtown Westbend Association and city Public Works on banner placements and hanging baskets. Staff said some banner brackets on Sixth Street are damaged or differently sized and that Public Works will be asked to adjust fittings to allow more consistent banner displays across blocks.

The updates were procedural and informational; no formal votes were tied to the event reporting. The board adjourned after approving routine business items and confirmed it will reconvene in August unless an urgent item requires a July meeting.