Launch party reveals new logo for “Downtown Rockton” businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of every community. The Village of Rockton started off this year with a special event on Nov. 26 in celebration of Small Business Saturday and a new branding for downtown Rockton. 

In the parking lot of Rockton Food and Spirits, a dance party allowed young and young at heart to dance with the Yeti, who made an early appearance this year. Bright green cloth bags were given out along with freebies. The new logo is on the front of these and on plastic bags.

Adding to all of the fun, tags were given out to be used on local “Love” trees where notes could be left for a favorite local shop, a local friend, or a loved one. Messages and trees can be seen in front of the Rockton Village Hall.

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Event organizer Tricia Diduch, Rockton's Village Planning and Development Administrator, had a goal to fill these trees with love and kindness.

Rockton Food and Spirits was chosen as the party spot to celebrate its new ownership.

Stores, restaurants, and establishments were bustling with shoppers and those taking a break for food or beverages.

The idea for branding Rockton's downtown started months ago. The Village of Rockton backed the idea which was first pitched by Diduch. After approval was given to look into options to make this possible, the village formed a partnership with Ian Voigts of "We are Neighbor," a creative branding studio. Voigts was the designer of the new logo.

In the works is a future website which is going to be similar to the “Visit Lake Geneva” website. A Downtown Rockton Facebook page is up and running, complete with interesting information on past and upcoming events.

“There are a few versions of the logo,” Diduch said. “This is part of a task that any formal downtown businesses owners group would do. The logo was developed after many meetings with business owners, and it is more of a modern design in an attempt to capture the energy that is the downtown,” Diduch adds.

Downtown Rockton businesses have already been collaborating.  In November the annual Jingle Bell Rockton proved to be fun for everyone.

Thirteen businesses have organized a “Rock' N Down to Christmas” event. When visiting different participating stores fill out an entry form. This will lead one lucky winner to win a daily prize from a drawing starting on Dec. 10 at After the Vine.

Market by Moonlight is returning on Friday Dec. 23 where a final drawing for a grand prize will take place.

The second Thursday of every month, “Ladies Nights” bring various forms of fun to Rockton.

Jill Rae Finally Art welcomed local artist Jerry Jacobs and his “California Dream'n on Such a Winter's Day” artist's reception. Jacobs held drawings for three mugs that he masterfully produced. He announced winners on a Facebook Live event.

Jacobs has created an eye-catching display of colorful, psychedelic pieces and a scrapbook showing many of his other styles, including artwork on Christmas cards.

Though Rockton's downtown was one of the main focus of the day, there are over 30 business in the community. A nice majority of these are female or family owned.

One of Rockton's longest running family-run places is Williams Tree Farm. Last year this long time Christmastime, seasonal favorite opened with fireworks to commemorate 75 years in Rockton. This year Williams opened in mid November and has loads of fun activities planned, in addition to traditions of picking out a favorite tree or wreath. The Williams family will celebrate with another fireworks display on December 17 starting at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Truly Treasured Gift n Thrift, Inc. owner Tonya Morgan welcomed shoppers on Small Business Saturday. The shop is one of Rockton's newest additions to the Main Street family of businesses.

Two of Rockton's newest stores are Truly Treasured Gift n Thrift and Home- In Rockton. Each provides shoppers with a nice array of unique items to choose from.

When supporting a locally owned business by shopping small, you are helping a family or an individual to live their dream while providing what they need to make a living.

Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express. Since its inception, this day continues to honor those who own small businesses through customer support.

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