Social-ICE draws more than 42,500 people to two-day downtown event
Release Date: March 10, 2023
Media Contact: Katie Adelman
Rochester Downtown Alliance
Office: 507-216-9886
Email: kadelman@downtownrochestermn.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Social-ICE draws more than 42,500 people to two-day downtown event
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Following a two-year hiatus and a major snowstorm days before, Social-ICE 2023 drew approximately 42,594 people to and created an estimated $1.536 million economic impact for downtown Rochester February 24-25.
“We are thrilled with the success of Social-ICE and FAM JAM and thank everyone who came together to celebrate winter,” said Kathleen Harrington, Rochester Downtown Alliance interim executive director. “We met our goals of having a fun-for-all-ages winter party and driving more business during the challenging winter season for Rochester’s great downtown bars and restaurants.”
The economic boost from Social-ICE attendees helps businesses increase financial security through a typically slow season.
“As one of the few winter events available to downtown businesses, Social-ICE is something we look forward to participating in as a vendor. Thanks to the success of this year’s event with popular programming and the incredible hard work of RDA staff, we doubled our projected sales as compared to previous Social-ICE events,” said Will Forsman of Café Steam. “Winter is a difficult time for businesses that rely on favorable weather to sustain foot traffic. This event accounted for five percent of our month’s revenue and made a huge impact on our ability to sustain ourselves through winter."
Social-ICE featured popular elements like themed bars, live DJs, ice sculptures, activities like curling and other games, onsite food and non-alcoholic vendors, and plenty of photo opportunities. Both Social-ICE and its family-friendly day, FAM JAM, presented by Mayo Clinic drew a diverse crowd of locals and visitors.
RDA is looking to continue its activation of downtown with summer programs including Fresh Air Fitness, Thursdays Downtown, Sidewalk Sessions, and more free programming.
For everything happening downtown, visit DowntownRochesterMN.com and follow Downtown Rochester, MN on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About the Rochester Downtown Alliance
The Rochester Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit corporation comprised of a broad range of people representing property owners, business leaders, the city and others with a direct stake in enhanced business and economic development conditions in the downtown district. We work together to build a vibrant downtown community. We believe a strong core positively impacts the greater city of Rochester. Through a series of special events, activities, and initiatives, we create energy, excitement, and a unique character to Downtown Rochester, Minnesota.
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