Delmar Businesses Bounce Back with Small Business Saturday and Future Concerts
The Delmar corridor in St. Louis is gearing up for a vibrant Small Business Saturday, a crucial event as businesses continue to rebuild and recover from the devastating tornado in May. This weekend marks a significant step in revitalization efforts, complemented by exciting plans for a new concert series designed to bring the community together and boost local commerce, reinforcing the area’s resilience and forward momentum.
Delmar’s Enduring Spirit: Recovering from the Tornado and Building for Tomorrow
On May 16, 2025, a powerful tornado inflicted significant damage on businesses and homes throughout the Delmar corridor. This stretch of St. Louis, long recognized for its unique character but also its historically disinvested areas, has faced immense challenges in the aftermath. Yet, the community’s spirit of resilience has shone brightly, with countless entrepreneurs, residents, and organizations working tirelessly to restore and revitalize the boulevard. This dedicated recovery effort forms the crucial backdrop for upcoming community-focused events.
Small Business Saturday: A Foundation for Renewal
This weekend’s Small Business Saturday event is far more than just a retail opportunity; it’s a vital declaration of solidarity and a powerful driver for the ongoing recovery momentum along Delmar. Businesses like Je’Loni Hall’s She Nail and Beauty Bar near the Delmar Divine exemplify the tenacity of local entrepreneurs. “We’ve had a lot of struggles, but outside of that adversity it’s been amazing,” Hall shared, highlighting the perseverance required to keep dreams alive amidst adversity.
Lisa Potts, Vice President of Delmar Main Streets, underscores the indispensable role of these local enterprises. “Small businesses are the backbone of any neighborhood and they’re certainly the backbone of the Delmar corridor,” Potts stated. The event is strategically designed to provide essential exposure, helping these shops not only recover but also thrive as new establishments continue to open and the area transforms between the eclectic Loop and the sophisticated Central West End. For many business owners, particularly after a challenging year, the opportunity for connection and community support is invaluable. “Some of us have lost homes and loved ones and some of us are struggling, picking up the pieces. What way than to come together and unite as family?” Hall remarked, emphasizing the deep communal bond that makes these local efforts so meaningful.
The Sound of Progress: Introducing the Levitt Concert Series
The vision for Delmar’s future extends significantly beyond this weekend’s immediate impact. Vanita Thompson and the dedicated team at Delmar Main Street have successfully secured a substantial $120,000 grant, paving the way for an exciting new Levitt Concert Series. Beginning in May 2026, a presently underutilized local park—just around the corner from establishments like Eric Vails’ Vail’s Brothers Chicken and Fish restaurant—will become a vibrant cultural destination. This series will host 30 different musical events, promising to transform the green space into a lively community hub and draw consistent foot traffic to the surrounding business district.
“To have that activity and children and people just relaxing in St. Louis, it’s a wonderful thing,” Thompson expressed, envisioning a bustling, joyful atmosphere. These concerts are a long-term strategic investment, aiming to foster sustainable growth and community engagement. Lisa Potts further elaborated on the broader community benefit: “There are so many things not going well for people so this is an opportunity to bring the community together.” By cultivating a vibrant public space, the series hopes to stitch the community closer, offering shared experiences that uplift and unite.
Key Delmar Revitalization Initiatives
| Initiative | Focus | Benefit to Delmar |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Saturday | Immediate commerce & exposure | Boosts sales, builds customer base, fosters community connections post-tornado |
| Levitt Concert Series | Long-term cultural programming | Increases sustained foot traffic, utilizes public spaces, unites community through music |
FAQs About Delmar’s Path Forward
- What is Small Business Saturday?
It’s an annual shopping holiday, typically the Saturday after Thanksgiving, dedicated to supporting small, local businesses within communities. - How was the Delmar corridor impacted by the May 2025 tornado?
The May 16, 2025, tornado caused extensive physical damage to numerous businesses and homes along the Delmar boulevard, leading to ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts. - What is the Levitt Concert Series?
This is a new, grant-funded initiative bringing 30 free musical events to a local park in the Delmar corridor, scheduled to begin in May 2026. Its goal is to create a vibrant community space and increase local foot traffic. - When does the Levitt Concert Series begin?
The series is set to commence in May 2026 and will feature 30 diverse musical events throughout its run, contributing to the area’s cultural scene. - Who is Delmar Main Streets?
Delmar Main Streets is an organization dedicated to the revitalization and economic development of the Delmar corridor, helping businesses thrive and fostering community connections.
Supporting Delmar’s local businesses this Small Business Saturday and enthusiastically looking ahead to the upcoming Levitt Concert Series are meaningful ways for all St. Louisans to actively contribute to the ongoing recovery, growth, and vibrant future of this truly unique and historic corridor.
Delmar rebuilds after tornado with events and music
