Cars cruise Main Street in Canon City to support local merchants

CANON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Things got pretty rowdy and loud in Canon City Friday night, but it was all for a good cause. Dozens upon dozens of cars completely fill Main Street to show support to local businesses.

They had a similar event last week -- but this time, the turnout was something shop owners have never seen before. From First Street all the way down to Ninth, cars and motorcycles filled the streets to show these business owners they have not been forgotten. It's the busiest Main Street has been in a long time.

"I've never seen it this busy."

"It's been like a ghost town down here so this is exciting and it's great to see our community pulling together."

Cars blasted their horns and motorcycles revved their engines to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. People waved to drivers as they gathered on the sidewalk eating takeout from local restaurants.

The even is the brainchild of the Downtown Business Alliance. Debbie Lake, a shop owner and president-elect for the local Chamber of Commerce says the turnout was much needed.

"It's been a real sad time for all of us and sad to see some of our businesses that may not make it back," said Lake.

Shop owners say it's heartwarming to see the community show up in force to support them.

"We didn't think it was going to be that big of a deal but it was surprisingly emotional to see all the people come downtown," said Brad Rowland with Kravmaga of Southern Colorado.

"It means the world to us to know we have the whole community behind us," said Patricia Messer of Kaleidoscope Inspiration.

And these shops are ready to open -- even if it's just in a limited capacity.

"We want to show you we will be open soon and that we want to promote our business and we want to get back in the saddle again in Canon City," said Randy Smith with First Stitches Sewing.

To be clear, not everyone in Canon City was on board with this gathering. A few people told KRDO off camera that they had serious concerns about an event this large, worried that their neighbors may be celebrating a bit too soon.

Canon City Police was on scene, moving through the crowd and reminding people to observe safe distancing.