Chatham Merchants Want To Paint The Town Red

by Tim Wood

            CHATHAM --- The origin of the phrase is obscure; some sources say it began when red-painted Native Americans attacked a town, others say it dates from 1837, when the Marquis of Waterford and some pals celebrated a successful hunt by literally painting the English town of Melton Mowbray red.

            Whatever the origins of the term, it’s clearly come to mean an unbridled fun spree. The Chatham Merchants Association hopes visitors and residents alike will “Paint the Town Red” over the long holiday weekend of Feb. 12 to 14, which includes, coincidentally, Valentine’s Day.

            Merchants are being encouraged to decorate their shops and storefronts following the “Paint the Town Red” theme, and various events and raffles will be held to encourage people to come downtown in what is historically a slow time of year.

            “When it’s dreary, you want to go out and have some fun,” said Betsy Sommer, CMA president and owner of the Chatham Beach Dog shop. 

            Plans are to have decorations in place by Feb. 5.  The merchants association, a division of the chamber of commerce, is providing participating businesses with “Paint the Town Red” counter signs as well as window signs.  Shop owners are being encouraged to carry the theme over to the small evergreen trees that were placed in front of many stores for last month’s Christmas By The Sea celebration.

            “They’re all frozen in their buckets,” noted Sommer.

            Guests at local inns will be given gift bags containing coupons and small gifts, provided by the Chatham Lodging Association.  “We’re hoping that each inn, B&B and motel will promote the weekend on their websites, too,” said former CMA president Heather McGrath.  Business can promote special offers, live entertainment, tastings, exhibits and other events that will take place over the weekend.  A number have already been scheduled, including a champagne and chocolate tasting at the Beach Dog, a reception at the Wayside Inn, book signings and other events.  With Chatham Bars Inn participating, the CMA expects to put together more than 300 gift bags.

            Businesses can drop off donations for the bags at the Wayside Inn or call CMA board member Amy Tagliaferri at 508-945-2229.

            Local residents can also participate, said Sommers.  Envelopes containing the coupons and events listings will be available in participating shops.  “We want second homeowners and locals to come in, too,” she said.

            Finally, a “Chatham Loves You” grand prize gift basket will be raffled on Sunday, Feb. 14.  The basket will contain gift items and gift certificates; entry forms will be available at participating shops.  The basket will be on display at the Wayside Inn.  Businesses wishing to donate can contact Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Franz at 508-945-5199.

            “The whole key is branding Chatham,” Sommers said, noting the way Nantucket gets its name out.  “I think we’re more special than Nantucket. We just have to get the word out.”

1/28/10