Maroon and White Preview: A New Downtown Event in Bryan
Introduction
The vibrant city of Bryan, Texas, is set to host its inaugural Maroon and White Night, an evening filled with live music, special discounts, and a unique opportunity to explore local businesses and historic sites.
The Aim of the Event
This event comprises a twofold objective: to express gratitude to the invaluable faculty and staff of the esteemed Texas A&M University, and to stimulate retail activity in the heart of downtown Bryan. Both constituents and visitors are encouraged to be part of this community-centric celebration.
Milton Parker Estate Bed and Breakfast: A Hidden Gem
One of the highlights of the event includes rare tours of the Milton Parker Estate Bed and Breakfast. Often bustling with guests, this 140-year-old historic mansion rarely opens its doors for public tours. However, the enchanting B&B is inviting the public to appreciate its timeless beauty between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on occasion of the Maroon and White Night.
Concerns Amidst Excitement
Despite the buzz surrounding the event, some shop owners have expressed concern over the expenses associated with extending their operational hours and covering overtime pay for their staff. Determined to mitigate these concerns, the city is optimistic that targeting the event towards Texas A&M staff will contribute to an increase in footfall and, consequently, higher revenue for businesses.
Welcoming a New Downtown Tradition
Offering a fresh twist to the 20-year-old tradition of First Friday, Maroon and White Night is poised to become a signature event in downtown Bryan. Meant to attract individuals new to the area, the city aims to provide a curated adult space for attendees to unwind and explore the unique offerings of their local businesses and historic sites.
An Experiment Worth the Effort
The administration is eager to gauge the event’s impact and plans to allow it to evolve naturally based on public response and local business feedback. Acknowledging the initial cost to businesses, Mayor Bobby Gutierrez expressed his confidence in the Maroon and White initiative, anticipating that it would indeed boost the local economy and increase retail activity within the downtown sector.
Conclusion
While Maroon and White Night is an experimental venture, the city is hopeful that it will not only provide an enjoyable evening for attendees but also work to strengthen the community and invigorate downtown businesses. Brazos Valley residents eagerly anticipate the debut of the event, hopeful it could soon become a cherished tradition.
