Vendors and Festivalgoers Look for Respite During Pandemic

Summer events the world over have been stymied because of the pandemic, leaving festivalgoers and vendors longing for an opportunity to gather at the intersection of recreation and commerce even in outdoor spaces that allow for social distancing. But a smaller crowd, perhaps, than in years past gathered in Kansas City over the weekend for ‘816 Day,’ which is named for the city’s area code. Vendors, eager for traffic, seized the chance to build on their customer base.

According to the U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce, 41 percent of Black-owned businesses have failed during the coronavirus downturn.

During virtual testimony before the Congressional Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, USBC President Ron Busby said, “Amidst the ongoing health and economic crisis, the most prevalent disparities exist within Black America. Case in point, the country lost 3.3 million small businesses in the first and second quarters of the year, but the number of Black entrepreneurs declined 41 percent…nearly 450,000 Black-owned businesses were closed between the months of February and April.”

For smaller enterprises, local events like ‘816 Day’ have long provided a revenue stream and an audience. But, those financial avenues have also been impacted by measures to reduce the risk of virus exposure. Entrepreneurs like Margon Murray remained focused on their goals.

“We have fruit kabobs, and we specialize in fruit arrangements so we try to compete with Edible Arrangements,” said Murray who owns GoKabobs.

Dozens of business owners set up booths and displayed their products as the smells of food trucks and music from the DJ’s playlist wafted throughout the Jazz District at 18th & Vine, home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum which celebrated its centennial anniversary this weekend and the American Jazz Museum.

“So everybody come on down here…with their masks,” stated Quez Beasley who works with the Jazz Museum.

Located not far from the street lined with food and speciality items, a Gospel choir offered praise and encouragement under the cover of a small amphitheater. With arms lifted and voices strong, they sang the popular hit by Kierra Shead, ‘Hang On In There’, a timely reminder for all who attended ‘816 Day.’