In Tuesday’s Independent, Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Mavi Valentin was quoted that she “loves the craziness of Crazy Days.”

“You know, like having all the movement and activities everywhere,” she said.

We applaud Valentin’s enthusiasm for a longtime downtown tradition in Marshall. The event has always exudes that enthusiasm year after year. Some years, rain showers dampen that enthusiasm. But with traffic blocked from entering downtown for a day, there is nothing like walking down the middle of Main Street to hunt for deals and enjoying delicious food from the various restaurants and other vendors.

And there’s all kinds of activities for adults and youths such as the Kiddie Parade and the candy drop (which gets very crazy), etc.

But there is another good reason to take advantage of this activity on Thursday. It’s a chance to walk down Main Street without the buzzing of traffic and take notice of all the changes that is keeping downtown vibrant and relevant to residents and visitors.

A number of retailers have left the downtown area. But others moved in. The new retailers/restaurants are offering a variety of new services and culture to Main Street. One particular store front at Main and Third Street received a facelift.

Vanessa Torke of Nessa’s Naturals said “people have commented on it.”

“It’s looking great,” she said.

We agree.

The movement to keep downtown looking inviting to consumers received a major boost with the renovation of City Hall, the addition of the next door plaza “Terrace 1872” and the renovation of Third Street. All of that started with a vision from City Hall. Not everybody agreed with the decisions. But that vision has proven to be somewhat revolutionary for the downtown area.

It’s not easy to keep up with the ever-changing world of commerce. Consumers have many choices besides brick and mortar locations. Many downtowns are struggling in rural Minnesota.

Downtown Marshall appears to be on the right track to staying relevant. Of course more work needs to be done to attract even more retail options.

On Thursday, we urge you to a stroll down Main Street and check out all that Crazy Days has to offer.