by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
About four years ago, Downtown’s historic light poles were decorated with a series of brightly colored banners that declared “Be Downtown!”
After they were replaced with the next set of streetscape messages, more than 80 of the banners were rolled up, placed in a box and stored in Downtown Vision Inc.’s basement.
DVI Executive Director Terry Lorince saw an article about how another city had recycled its urban core banners into tote bags and she thought the idea would also work here. That’s when Burro Bags became involved. The company recently moved Downtown and specializes in creating one-of-a-kind messenger bags and other cargo-toting personal accessories made from recycled billboards.
As soon as owner Chris Williams saw the light pole banners, he knew they could be transformed into functional tote bags with a few seams, a couple of straps and the Burro Bags signature label.
DVI Marketing Director Pamela Elms said when the new bags are complete, they will be prizes for DVI’s online contests and also will be part of sponsor packages.
Depending on how busy Burro Bags is with its regular orders, the Be Downtown! banner bags might debut at the July First Wednesday Art Walk, said Elms.
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