This summer, you don’t have to go to Florida to see the flamingos.

Instead, the birds will be stopping by Columbus for a night of shopping, music and fun.

So put on your vacation clothes, shorts, Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and come to Let’s Flamingle Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Participating stores will have tiny flamingos hidden throughout, “ said Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow.
“Locate one flamingo in each of six stores and return your flock to the Columbus Arts Council to be entered into grand prize drawings with a combined value of more than $500.”

Participants will pick up a “baby flamingo” bag at their first stop to keep the “flock” together.

The final list of participating businesses will be posted to Main Street Columbus’ Facebook page later this week.

The event is entering its second year. It was a partnership between Main Street and CAC, and that partnership continues this year.

“Last year we got recognized for it,” said CAC Director Salem Gibson. “It’s kind of funny because it was the first year and so I think that’s a good way to prove when people go in together, it becomes bigger than it ever has.”

The recognition came from Mississippi Main Street Association, which named the event “Outstanding New Event.” Bigelow said it was a worthwhile partnership that she is glad to see continue.

“Retail shopping seems to slow down during the summer months when school is out, so, last year we thought we would kick-start the fall season with a new promotion for our downtown retailers and restaurants,” Bigelow said. “As always, our office began asking people for ideas for a different plan to draw shoppers into our stores and when someone mentioned flamingos, it just sounded like lots of fun. The wheels started turning and before we knew it, we had Let’s Flamingle Downtown. Apparently, it was a good idea because Mississippi Main Street Association recognized it as the ‘Outstanding New Event of the Year.’ We needed an inside location to set up a well-decorated photo area and were thrilled when the Columbus Arts Council agreed to partner with Main Street Columbus to offer this.”

The event’s mascot, Fiona the Flamingo, will return this year. She will be roaming the streets, but don’t be shy, she loves photos.

There will be a photo booth set up inside CAC’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, bring your own camera and make some memories.

“What if my kids aren’t interested?”

CAC has the answer for that too.

Drop off the young ones for a “parent’s night out” during the event. Children from ages 5-12, and it is $25 per child. To register, visit CAC in person or online at columbusartscouncil.com/flamingle.

The fun doesn’t end when the shops close though.

CAC is hosting a free concert, featuring Starkville blues duo Shank and Maim, following the end of the shopping. From 8-10 p.m., the duo will perform at Liberty Plaza. There will be free beverages.

“Our big thing is that we are providing it for free,” Gibson said. “It is a special ‘thank you’ to everyone that has helped us for the last few months, attended all of our openings and all of our shows. So as a thank you, we will have beer, soda and water. … Bring your own lawn chair, hang out, bring the family. If you’re already going to be walking around shopping, come hang out here. … We just want to provide good quality music and art in our community and this is one of the things we wanted to do to give back. I really want people to know, come as you are, come all. This is free, it’s for us. Please just enjoy.”

The event just seeks to bring fun things to do to the area while also promoting local businesses.

“When we host a downtown promotion, we notice that people from all walks of life are in our downtown enjoying themselves, making new friends, having a great meal, seeing what cool items our awesome stores have in stock and discovering what our downtown has to offer,” Bigelow said. “We know that it may not always be possible to find what you need at a local business, but it is definitely worth having a look before going elsewhere. These entrepreneurs work hard to provide fabulous merchandise for their customers. At Main Street, we always encourage folks to shop locally with our small, independent merchants. Not only are you supporting your neighbors and friends but it keeps more of your money in your community.”

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