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The Daily Tar Heel

February will be a month ‘For the Love of Carrboro’

Though Carrboro had its heart broken when it wasn’t chosen as Lovetown, USA, it has quickly rebounded — dedicating February “For the Love of Carrboro” month.

Annette Stone, the town’s economic development officer, proposed that local businesses take advantage of Carrboro’s temporary fame as a contender for the reality show, Lovetown, USA, by holding love-themed promotions during February.

After learning on Nov. 4 that it was being considered for the Oprah Winfrey Network show, Carrboro hosted community events to convince producers it should be chosen as Lovetown.
After the town learned in early January that it wasn’t selected, Stone suggested businesses ride the wave of community spirit the selection process created.

“Everybody was just excited for the great opportunity,” Stone said. “Nothing was lost, and a sense of community was gained.”

The Carrboro Board of Aldermen unanimously voted on a resolution to officially create “For the Love of Carrboro Month” at their meeting last week.

In its resolution, the board said it was enthusiastic about the community spirit Carrboro residents exhibited during Lovetown events.

“The community spirit that was exhibited by the lovers of Carrboro during the events that were held in support of Lovetown demonstrated the closeness, warmth and caring that defines this community,” the resolution states.

Many businesses have expressed interest in participating in the newly declared month, including Balloons & Tunes, Townsend Bertram & Company and The Framers Corner.

Bill Soeters, Carrboro’s UPS manager, will hold a special for couples to take advantage of as part of the effort.

The store is offering a 25 percent discount for couples who come in wanting passport photos, Soeters said.

February is also Operation SWAK (sealed with a kiss) month at the Carrboro UPS store.
“You can send a Valentine card or letter to a member of the military and we will pay for the postage,” Soeters said.

The Station at Southern Rail Restaurant will also participate by hosting a dating game on Feb. 14, and it will have “For the Love of Carrboro” food and drink specials.

“Anything that happens in our new event has no downside, because to us, any traffic in local businesses is a good thing,” Stone said.

Other events that Stone proposed local businesses incorporate include speed dating nights and couple-centered games — essentially, anything that keeps the focus on love.

Stone said she is certain the community pride generated by the campaign for Lovetown will spread into the February events — and she has been spreading the word through local media.

She said in an email that the town will run 45 half-minute ads on WCHL during the month of February to promote Carrboro businesses, and will also run two half-page ads in the Carrboro Citizen.

Soeters said he thinks the month will be a success.

“This is a good way for a local business to support the Town,” Soeters said. “Things like this help make Carrboro cool.”

Contact the City Editor
at city@dailytarheel.com.

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