Bring Out The Pedlets. It’s Outdoor Dining Season In Great Falls

It's beginning to look a lot like summer in Montana.  A sure sign, the pedlets are coming out in downtown Great Falls.

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What is a pedlet

A pedlet is an extension of the sidewalk, where the parking spaces are, that allows for a business to expand to their sidewalk.

According to The Electric, The Mighty Mo was the first of the downtown businesses to give a pedlet a try in 2017.  It's reported they saw a 35 percent increase in sales over the summer.  That encouraged other downtown businesses to give it a try.

Downtown Businesses Opening a Pedlet This Year

• Tracy's Family Diner
• Burger Bunker
• Celtic Cowboy
• Wild Hare
• Elevation 3330 (suspendlet)
• Enbar
• Might Mo

This year, you can get a pedlet passport, have it stamped at each business and turn it in for a chance to win some fun prizes.

The Pedlet Program In Great Falls Has Garnered National Attention

Great Falls was the second city in the nation to allow pedlets.  Grants are available through the Montana Main Street Program to promote outdoor downtown spaces that are walkable and provide dining.  It also fights the belief that downtowns are dead.  When people see people enjoying the outdoors in a safe space, it encourages them to do the same.

From The Electric, Great Falls' Joan Redeen of the Business Improvement District and Kellie Pierce from The Downtown Great Falls association presented at the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle.

How Long Is Pedlet Season In Great Falls

It runs from May 1 through October 31st, downtown Great Falls.