Article: Cultural events providing needed downtown foot traffic: from chalk-art festivals to gallery walks, these events are bringing people downtown--and into local merchants' stores.

The one thing all vibrant business districts seem to have in common is lots of people. Whether it's a bustling waterfront, a downtown Main Street, or a busy shopping center, the one ingredient that keeps the gears turning is footfalls on the sidewalk.

So how do you get the word out and bring in new people who may not normally come to your street? For downtown Bellingham, one solution is to bring people in for arts and cultural events--gallery walks, chalk-art festivals, film events, music and live theater.

"It takes many elements--it's not just one thing," said Chris Foss, co-owner of the Greenhouse on Cornwall Avenue. "It takes housing downtown, strong ...

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