Bucyrus welcomes DORA during Chamber's July First Friday event
Bucyrus said hello to DORA and goodbye to Jessie during the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce's July First Friday event.
The city's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, went into effect at 11 a.m. Friday, allowing patrons of 11 downtown liquor permit holders to purchase alcoholic drinks that can be taken outside in specially marked cups.
Friday also was Jessie Furner's last day as the chamber's executive director.
"So many mixed feelings — happiness, sadness, stress, relief. All the things all at once, for sure," she said.
Furner was one of the driving forces behind the city's DORA plan, working extensively with representatives of the Crawford Partnership.
"I'm really thrilled to see people out and enjoying the DORA," she said.
Early on, she decided that First Fridays needed something for young professionals.
"I thought, let's bring some art, some culture and let's do something for young people to want to stay in Bucyrus, move to Bucyrus," Furner said. "And so now, on my final First Friday, we have a pop-up gallery at First Federal, people are walking around with their DORA dinks. And so I can lay this job to rest knowing that I've at least set it on the path."
She will stay on for a few weeks to teach the ropes to her successor — who's expected to be named soon.
Despite high temperatures and cloudy skies, Arrogant Goat Brewing, 125A E. Rensselaer St., was packed.
"It's been a great night," co-owner Mark Burke said. "The DORA's just been awesome. There's been a lot of people coming in and taking a drink uptown, which has been great. It's just what we were looking for. I'm hoping people are enjoying our downtown and enjoying Bucyrus."
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This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday includes DORA kickoff
