Crazy Days To Go On Without BDA

Crazy Days, a long-time shopping tradition in Bemidji will go on this Saturday despite losing its main sponsors.

Though the event is still two days away, many merchants have already begun sales.

The main difference in this year’s Crazy Days is no street closures, and rather sales are on sidewalks or in stores.

Bemidji Downtown Alliance decided to no longer sponsor the event due to a decline in business participation. BDA says it is mainly funded by members, therefore the board is steering in another direction to meet members’ needs. Previously, BDA was responsible for marketing and providing liability insurance for retailers to close down streets.

Many retailers are hoping the BDA will return next year as its main organizer. In the mean time, BDA says they are working with businesses on community event partnerships like the Mississippi Music Festival to keep downtown Bemidji alive.