Moving Princeton forward: Princeton Art District joins the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce

PRINCETON — The Princeton Art District has joined the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce creating a collaboration that will strengthen the marketing of Princeton’s north and south end shopping districts and allow for new fun events to attract visitors and families from all around.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Friday, June 4, in Rotary Park to mark the partnership.

The Princeton Art District formed as a neighborhood of businesses in December 2014. Situated on the north side of Princeton’s Historic Main Street and just steps from Princeton’s train depot, the area is lined with several businesses, which include unique gift buying, a children’s boutique, special occasion boutiques, beauty and wellness, pottery, wine, beer, coffee and pastries, pie, food, a flower and plant shop, as well as beautiful bed and breakfasts.

“You definitely do not want to miss out on this quaint area of Princeton,” said Jenica Cole, executive director of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce & Princeton Tourism.

The Art District holds a few events of its own throughout the year. Not only do they have the First Friday Markets through October, but they also host a yearly Wine Walk as well as Queen for a Day. Check the Princeton Art District out on Facebook for a list of their events and to follow along with all of the happenings in their neighborhood.

“We are thrilled to have the Art District join the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. I think this is a positive step for our community and another way of progressing Princeton forward. We can do more working together than separately,” Cole said. “I think it shows our residents and visitors that we always have their best interests at heart and we are always working on ways to add fun events to our calendar. It also shows our business owners that the Chamber will always do everything in our power to help promote their businesses, bring new people to town and get everyone excited about coming to visit Princeton.”

Laura Massey, owner of Beetz Me who is also a founder and original member of the Art District, expressed her excitement in the new partnership and is looking forward to new events and marketing opportunities that come from the two organizations working together.

“It’s a great thing to have us all working together,” she said.

Mary VanKeulen, owner of Sophisicuts Salon and Wellness Boutique who is also a founder and original member of the Art District, is also excited about the partnership.

“I think it’s going to be great,” she said. “I can see it only growing bigger and bigger. It’s an exciting time for Princeton and people are ready for it.”

VanKeulen also expressed excitement of the First Friday Markets that have grown this year and were moved to Rotary Park to create a better atmosphere for families, artisans and vendors. It’s just an example of one event that has the ability to draw more visitors to Princeton with its new networking opportunities with the Chamber. VanKeulen publicly thanked Elaine Russell, First Friday coordinator, who voluntarily stepped up to the plate to help organize and put on the events this year.

“If it wasn’t for her, it wouldn’t be as organized as it is,” VanKeulen said.

In honor of this new partnership and to help bridge the gap between Princeton’s north and south end business districts, the Chamber and Art District are announcing an addition to the Main Street Concert Series schedule. On Friday, Oct. 1, the concert series will wrap up with an additional concert in Rotary Park, in conjunction with the Art District’s final First Friday Market of the year and also celebrate Octoberfest. The Paloma’s, a German band who hail from the Chicagoland area and perform a wide variety of classic German songs, new German hits, oldies, country and classic standard, will bring the fun and a whole lot of cow bell.

“We hope to make this a yearly tradition, so mark your calendars,” Cole said.

Princeton Art District Members include:

Annies Little Pots & The Pottery Cellar

Barrel Society

Beetz Me!

Blooms on Elm

Flour House Bakery

Johnson’s Carpet

Milk Moustache

Myrtle’s Pie

Optimal Health

Paisano’s Ristorante

Parlor909

Sophisticuts Salon and Wellness Boutique

studioK Architecture

The Flats at Elm Place

The Studio

• The above businesses are also members of Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce.