Commerce businesses celebrate longevity

Commerce businesses will celebrate — themselves — Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. in a promotion called “Commerce Adds Up” that notes the longevity of the city’s local businesses.

“We are very fortunate to have as many businesses in the area that we do,” said Denise McKay, executive director of the Commerce Downtown Development Authority. “We had 34 businesses that turned in information. They have 1,426 years of business experience that covers a wide range of products and services.”

The “block party” is centered in the downtown, although the event celebrates the longevity of businesses throughout the town. There will be sales, drawings for prizes at individual businesses, a grand prize, refreshments and music at various locations.

“We have a business offering an American Express (prepaid) card, a number of gift certificates and products from businesses,” said McKay, in describing the gift basket that will be the grand prize.

McKay said some of the businesses are tying their number of years in operation to their sales. For example, Commerce Drugs has been in business 94 years and will have sales “ending in 94,” McKay said, while Sanders Furniture, 99 years old, will feature sale prices ending in 99.

“It should be a fun evening out,” McKay insisted. “Just come out and enjoy it and check out the stores.”

Musicians, including Eli Carlan, Robin Dyer and Ricky Fitzpatrick will perform at different locations throughout the downtown.