The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce set out to “ignite summer business” with its annual Grill-Out Night, giving this year’s event a patriotic America 250 theme in a nod to the nation’s semiquincentennial.
The event was established many years ago so that residents could connect with local businesses during the slower summer months, when customer traffic often tapers off. Nearly 40 businesses participated this year, said Britney Melchiori, SRA CEO, particularly pleased that 10 of those were sponsors.
“We’re just incredibly grateful for everyone who helps make this a big success. It’s just one of the ways that we like to give back to the community and at the same time give our businesses that exposure that they’re looking for,” said Melchiori.
Because attendees moved among the event’s various locations on their own, she said attendance was difficult to measure precisely, though she estimated it to have been more than 700 people.
“It was a really nice turnout. The weather ended up being cooperative, so that was great,” said Melchiori.
“It’s a great way for people to get out and explore our community throughout the evening. It creates meaningful exposure for our businesses while giving everyone a fun reason to see a business or get a little something to eat.”
Melchiori said they kept things to a tighter framework this year by identifying hubs, having found the approach successful during this past December’s Light Up Night, their Christmastime version.
“We still had a lot of brick-and-mortar businesses that stayed at their location, but we identified hubs where a business that might have a little bit more space was willing to host other businesses that either weren’t in the immediate area or didn’t have a brick-and-mortar store,” she explained.
“What was nice about that is people could park and walk instead of having to drive all over town.
It helped with safety too, so people weren’t having to cross the street as much. So it was just identifying those little hubs of activity where people could park, walk around and enjoy themselves, which I thought was great.”
The chamber hosted its own hub at the Pelican Porch Visitor Center and used the adjacent green space to accommodate additional businesses. The event footprint stretched from the northernmost Tax Collector’s Office south to Dale Sorensen Real Estate, which hosted two other businesses.
“They’re making those connections, whether it’s at a tent, with somebody else’s business, or here on the event lawn behind our building. Businesses are giving back to the community; they’re connecting. And it’s a fun way for people to get to know a business that they might not have otherwise known.”
The chamber’s next big event is the Lifestyle & Media Auction, taking place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday Sept. 24 at the Spirit of Sebastian Heritage Hall.
“We’re calling it Golden Hour in the Garden, since it’s in the evening and it’s in their outdoor garden area,” said Melchiori.
That annual event provides local businesses and nonprofits with an opportunity to bid on discounted advertising and media packages, such as print, radio and digital marketing. It also features a silent auction of local lifestyle items, such as staycations and dining packages.
That will be followed by Light Up Night, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday Dec. 4.
“That kicks off the holiday shopping season in the Sebastian River area, with businesses decorating and spreading good cheer. So that’s definitely something we want people to save the date for,” said Melchiori.
For more information, visit SebastianChamber.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
