Promoting Wiscasset

Group’s goal to increase visibility during, after construction
Mon, 09/24/2018 - 3:00pm

The so far unnamed downtown Wiscasset group focused on promoting the downtown during and after the Maine Department of Transportation’s construction project met at Sarah’s Cafe Sept. 21 to brainstorm taglines and work on a design for logos, flyers, signs and parking maps, and other goods, such as postcards, coffee mugs and more.

A possible tagline, “Old Charm. New Vibe,” was floated,  with the backdrop of the watercolor painting given to members of the former Public Advisory Committee and selectmen. Most attendees liked the idea, although some thought “old” was not what the town wanted to convey.

Other possible taglines included “A town for all ages,” a nod to both demographic age groups – young families through retirees – and the town’s history and future; “Wiscasset: Yesterday, today, tomorrow”; and “Wiscasset: Embrace the pace.”

Many liked the image, but others thought it should be a little simpler, at least for some of the materials, so some graphic design work on elements of the design, such as the lamp posts downtown or historic features such as the steeples or weather vanes will be done before the next meeting.

The group also wants to set up and keep up-to-date a Facebook page, use other social media, issue press releases, hold public events and business promotions, work with the community to focus on events already coming up such as the last Art Walk of the season Sept. 27;  Scarecrowfest and Oktoberfest, both Oct. 13, Halloween activities, and Early Bird sales Nov. 10. The town’s tree lighting is Dec. 1. The Holiday Marketplace runs Dec. 6-9. Events could mark construction milestones, such as when the Railroad Avenue and Haggett building parking lots open, and when the sidewalks are finished.

Group members will photograph and videorecord the process for social media sites and inclusion in public speaking and events.