KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 816 is not just an area code but a day to celebrate Kansas City.
Especially this year, the local holiday celebrated on Aug. 16 is a chance for area businesses to really cash in, as it has been a struggle due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hundreds swarmed the 18th and Vine Historic District to support local shops.
"We wanted to come out here in the community and support local small businesses,” Courtney Rogers, who visited the area, said.
KC resident Brandon Smith said that it is “always good” to support the city in its entirety.
"Small business owners are struggling across the world, so I think it’s good that we’re out here putting our money in their hands to kind of keep them open even during a pandemic,” Smith said.
It’s money that’s in short supply for Denise Perkins,who runs a small business selling waist beads and wire jewelry.
"The big events [are] really where I get paid at, and all of those got cancelled,” Perkins, owner Pieces of Zoey, said.
Other businesses are opening up during the pandemic.
"A lot of people would say it’s crazy to open a restaurant in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, but down here we got to adapt and survive,” said Henry Service, who owns The Corner.
Making it harder to survive would be any added restrictions on capacity limits, according to Service, as the previous tenant in the space on the southeast corner of 18th and Vine closed because of COVID-19.
"We’re petrified,” Service said. “There’s only so much you can do, if the government tells you you can’t make money and we all have to pitch in because COVID is real. There’s got to be some kind of relief for small business people like myself.”
At the Country Club Plaza and its other locations, Make in KC is participating in 816 Day and offered special prices to bring in customers.
“When 816 day originated, Made in KC jumped on right away,” Keith Bradley, Made in KC co-owner, said. “This celebrates what we are all about as a company, and the best of what it means to be a Kansas Citian.
“Now more than ever, promoting local and our city is so important. The places we love to eat and shop in are in need of the support of Kansas City and 816 Day helps that cause.”
Service agreed.
"Black businesses matter, Black money matters and we are all trying to survive in trying times,” Service said.
Events in the 18th and Vine District lasted all day.
