out the part of the mural they painted.” Conway’s commitment to the arts is part of a greater effort to create a sense of place and belonging for its residents. “Public art is important because it reflects who we are as a community,” Blain says.“It’s something that brings people together.” FESTIVALS AND FUN: A YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTION Conway’s sense of community is perhaps most evident in its events and festivals. While many towns across the country celebrate the holidays, Conway has taken things to a new level.The city’s Halloween celebrations, in particular, have become legendary. “In October, we changed our name to Halloween, South Carolina,” Blain says with a smile. “We go all out.You wouldn’t believe it—you need a reservation for lunch, and it’s hard to find parking. People come from states away to see what we do.” But it’s not just Halloween that draws people to Conway.The city also hosts various events throughout the year, from Christmas festivals to Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.“We’ve found that people don’t just want one big event,” Hyman explains.“They want lots of smaller things they can enjoy throughout the month, so we’ve created an atmosphere where there’s always something going on.” These events have significantly impacted the local economy, particularly for downtown businesses.“Last year, our downtown was shoulder to shoulder with people during the holidays,” Hyman says.“Businesses that used to be closed on weekends are now staying open because they see the return on investment.” The success of these events is a testament to Conway’s focus on creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for everyone. “We don’t just want to attract visitors,” Blain says. “We want to create a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.” LOOKING AHEAD: GROWTH WITH INTENT As Conway grows, its leaders are mindful of balancing REAL IMPACT. Because of our local ties, we have a true understanding of the people, needs, and resources in the communities we serve. We work for the Conway community with your needs and best interest in mind. Bolton-Menk.com 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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