As COVID-19 has taken hold, Texarkana authorities, taking cues from authorities from the state, have issued a series of instructions to contain the spread of the virus. The instructions have made things difficult for a large segment of the town's business community.
Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana, is nevertheless optimistic that local business and culture, especially downtown, might be down but not out.
Many downtown restaurants continue to feed customers and many businesses are making plans for the day when the emergency is over.
"I've been supporting downtown restaurants by getting as much carry-out as I can. I highly recommend a salad from Pecan Point (Gastropub and Brewery)," she said. The salad features "shrimp with spinach, strawberries and blueberries."
Main Street Texarkana, a civic organization, works toward the revitalization of downtown. Main Street and downtown Texarkana have seen continued signs of life in recent years, from several restaurants and other businesses finding homes there, to landmarks like the Hotel Grim undergoing renovations.
McDowell said business is still going on downtown and the best is yet to come.
"I've been trying to stay in touch with downtown businesses," she said. "We want to cooperate with city officials, but we also want to do what we can to let Texarkana know business is still being done in downtown. These businesses need your support in this time more than ever."
Main Street Texarkana is using social media to let the area know what is going on.
"We've got coming businesses like Gateway Luxury Apartments in the former Belk Jones building," she said. "Cross-ties Event Venue in the former Moore's Furniture continues work. And there is more. We are doing our best to keep citizens posted on what is going on downtown."
Before the shelter-in-place order, Main Street Texarkana was taking people on downtown mural tours.
"They (the tourists) didn't even have to leave their vehicle," McDowell said. "Obviously, with the shelter-in-place order, those are currently out of he question. But you can go to mainstreettexarkana.org and see pictures of the murals. In addition, we are continuing work on events later this year, such as Dine On The Line. Work will continue on them in the current downtime.
"We are a strong community. Once we are on the other side, I have no doubt we will be even stronger. Downtown is still coming alive."