The event featured sixteen poets reading at a variety of venues including the local bookstores, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and a pub. It drew an audience of over two hundred people coming from as far away as Fresno and is expected to become an annual event. Approaching small businesses to support community events is a long overdue concept that is now being considered by many literary organizations. Daniel Essman of the Carlords Poetry Series in Willits recognizes this as an important trend. Literary events upgrade a business district in a small town and increase foot traffic in the area which is ultimately good for business.
Small businesses can support literary events in a variety of different ways.
In one case, the publicity for the Petaluma Poetry Walk was paid for by local merchants. By taking out an ad, both the business and the event gained positive exposure. Some businesses, while lacking the funds to directly support literary organizations, can help by lending time and space. Innovative approaches to fundraising make it possible for organizations to stay afloat while cutbacks in public funding continue to mount. Jeremiah Raven, project director of the Nevada City Poetry Series, says one approach is to sell season tickets.