The Humboldt Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) has had a remarkable year in 2024, successfully promoting local businesses and focusing attention on the downtown core. Among the year’s standout achievements were the return of Street Fest to its pre-pandemic form and a refreshed take on the popular Moonlight Madness event. Both events were met with overwhelmingly positive responses from the community and participants alike.
Alyssa Hergott, chair of the Humboldt Downtown BID, reflected on the success of these events, noting how Street Fest was reimagined to bring back its original energy.
"Street Fest, we brought it back in the form it was originally done in with Main Street being shut down and a big concert," Hergott said. "We also included additional things like the movie on Main and family activities, plus over 60 vendors lined the streets. It was a great success."
Meanwhile, the 2024 Moonlight Madness added a new twist with the introduction of the first-ever Santa Claus Parade. The event also featured open fires for attendees to gather around and roaming carolers to heighten the festive atmosphere. The success was evident in the feedback from attendees and local businesses.
"The crowd response was really great," said Hergott. "Someone mentioned it was like a Hallmark movie. People felt like they were in a storybook setting, and local businesses reported better sales than they've ever had during Moonlight Madness. The foot traffic was significantly higher, and that made a big difference for them."
The BID continues to receive enthusiastic support from the community, with many people eager for these events to return even bigger next year. "The public wants the events again and they want them bigger and better every year," Hergott emphasized. "We’re excited to bring both events back next year and hopefully exceed expectations once again."
As 2024 draws to a close, Hergott took a moment to express gratitude on behalf of the BID. "On behalf of the BID, I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all of our community and surrounding areas," she said. "We encourage everyone to shop local this Christmas season and we look forward to what the New Year holds for the downtown area."
The Humboldt Downtown BID's success in 2024 has left both the public and local businesses hopeful for even more vibrant and engaging events in the future.