Originally posted in Ruston Daily Leader — September 18, 2020
Small business owners in our community have had to endure a barrage of turmoil recently.
From the effects of natural disasters and a global health pandemic, downtown Ruston has had to bear the brunt of hard times. The collective spirit of our community, however, is as strong as ever — some might even say “Ruston Strong.”
With COVID restrictions slowly beginning to lift, downtown Ruston is looking to bring life and vibrancy back to the streets in a safe and socially-distanced way.
On Sept. 15, Main Street Director Amy Stegall, launched the newest reason to visit downtown Ruston. In partnership with Friends of Ruston Main Street, the #LoveWhatsLocalChallenge seeks to encourage citizens to share their favorite things about their downtown community through a creative lens.
The #lovewhatslocalchallenge is a chance
to capture the sites, scenes, and moments you love about downtown Ruston. Through social media hashtags, share your perfectly photographed experience for a chance to win up to $500 to spend in downtown Ruston shops.
This week’s prompts are: Top Photo Op Downtown, Best Meal Downtown, Favorite Accessory, and It Wouldn’t be Downtown Ruston without ______.
Post one or all four with the hashtags #lovewhatslocalchallenge #RustonLA #downtownruston for your chance to win. Each photo you post will be a new entry. Check the downtown Ruston social media pages on Tuesdays to see the newest prompts.
The #lovewhatslocalchallenge is a collaboration born out of Friends of Main Street and the city’s desire to put a pep in downtown’s step and encourage safe engagements with shops and restaurants through creativity.
“As Main Street director, it is great to partner with a group like Friends of Ruston Main Street to think of ways to encourage people to get downtown to shop and eat safely,” Stegall writes.
“COVID has hit our small businesses hard, and the #lovewhatslocalchallenge not only encourages people to get downtown to shop and dine, but it also restores the hearts of our downtown Ruston merchants who have been missing their patrons. It is important to us to promote safe and healthy ways to shop, and this challenge does just that! We can’t wait to see what everyone loves about #downtownruston.”
Friends of Ruston Main Street is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that seeks to promote, encourage, and serve as a fundraising arm to the downtown Ruston community.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the city to host this exciting challenge that encourages foot traffic in downtown Ruston — It’s what we’re here for,” said Dylan Sanders, chairman of Friends of Ruston Main Street.