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Visitors to the 2023 Crazy Days on Thursday in Marshall will notice a big change in the area around Third Street.
The newly constructed one-way street is nearing completion; with the street surface, sidewalk, curbs, gutters and patio areas mostly finished. Third Street will be open to pedestrians throughout the day.
Merchants will be able to display products on the street, but will not have outdoor electrical service. Those in need of electricity have the option of locating their merchandise on West Main Street.
Several business people in the Third Street area said they're impressed with the appearance of the new Third Street. They noted that the plaza area has potential to become a gathering place. That advantage might at least partly compensate for a lack of parking in front of some establishments.
"The only drawback for us is that we lost all of our parking in front of the shop," said Amanda Podratz, a cosmetologist at the Perfect Styles hair salon. "The closest parking is across the street. I think it's shaping up nice in terms of appearance. I'm looking forward to seeing the end product."
Vanessa Torke, owner of Nessa's Naturals on the west corner of Main and Third, said the new street configuration shifts some the parking toward the post office.
As a result, customers visiting her shop are likely to walk at least half a block. She said it's likely to be less convenient for customers in the winter and for people with physical health limitations.
"I think the street is looking great and that it will be lovely when it's done," Torke said. "I'm just disappointed that the parking concerns raised by merchants weren't addressed. Customers tell us they need parking, especially our older customers."
She's hopeful that the pedestrian friendly aspects of the new street will bring people to areas without parking. Crazy Days could become a good test for how much that can happen.
"It should be good for Crazy Days," she said. "We have one of the best Crazy Days in the region. It's a great tradition, always a fun day for everyone."
Several others also expressed hope that the patio areas can reach their potential with both daily foot traffic and special events.
"It seems like they put in a lot of patio, but I can see potential with it," said Columbia Imports owner Dereck Deutz, who is located on the south corner of Main and Third. "It will be nice when it's finished and ready to use. I'm definitely willing to use it."
Lyon County Museum Director Jennifer Andries said the biggest disadvantage of patio space is more snow shoveling in the winter.
When weather conditions are favorable, there's a possibility of having more people gather outside which might encourage them to visit the museum, the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council's art gallery and the stores.
"At this point Third Street looks good, "Andries said. "It's a little early to tell, but it should be more pedestrian friendly. Hopefully that encourages people to walk around and shop."
Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brad Gruhot expects that parking adjustments might get easier with time, and that the new street design will appeal to people once they experience its amenities.
"I'm expecting a little bit of an adjustment at first," Gruhot said. "Once people get used to it, they might find that it's worth having another place to gather. It should be a really good compliment to the Terrace 1872 area next to city hall."