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The Almont Downtown Development Authority will present A Taste of Almont March 8-16. In its inaugural year, the event's goal is to promote business in the small village located in southeastern Lapeer County.

"The main goal is to get people to the downtown area and see how many different choices they have," said DDA Director Nancy Boxey. "They can visit a place they haven't in a long time, or haven't at all."

Recently, ideas were generated on how to drum up traffic during the cold wintertime. Boxey said there's an impressive amount of food service establishments in the area when they're all added up.

"We brainstormed together as a group on what to try," she said. "This is the first time we're all cooperating together. Maybe we'll do this quarterly and can change the theme. It's a great first step."

Tickets for the nine-day long event cost $10, and will be punched when redeemed at each location. Ticket holders will receive an item featured on the menu; tickets are only valid during the nine-day stretch.

Businesses taking part are:

n Almont Pastry and Donut Shop, 102 N. Main St., for one apple flip.

n Buccilli's, 129 N. Main St., for one cupcake.

n Charlie Brown's Creme Cones & Cakes, 750 Van Dyke Road, for one brownie super bowl.

n The Huddle Bar and Grill, 113 S. Main St., for one bowl of soup and 30% off any sandwich.

n Hungry Howie's, 882 Van Dyke Road, for one small pepperoni pizza.

n Maria's Place, 141 S. Main St., for one soup and sandwich combo.

n The Mill and Brewhouse, 622 S. Main St., for one 12-ounce beverage of choice and a baked good.

n Roza's Pizza, 133B S. Main St., for one small calzone.

n San Diego Mexican Restaurant, 118 S. Main St., for one quesadilla doradas.

Connie Vettraino, owner of the 27-year-old Buccilli's, said it will be nice to get people to come out. Her business offers decorated cakes, wedding cakes, brownies, cookies, and various baked goods.

"It's getting them to come to the businesses and see if they like your product," she said on the benefits of the event.

More ideas to bring in traffic to Almont include sidewalk sales in conjunction with the May 15-17 weekend of community wide garage sales. Also in May, the farmer's market is on tap to start up again on Main Street, on the corner of School Street and Van Dyke Road. There's also the possibility of a spring flower and garden event later this year.

"Things are coming up," Boxey said. "We have more and more events getting planned. People are coming up with different ideas."

Tickets may be purchased at each of the participating merchants; Tri-County Bank, 4511 Van Dyke Road; K-9 Clips & Pet Parlor, 114 S. Main St.; Cut Loose Hair Salon, 140 N. Main St.; and the DDA office in the downtown area. Tickets can be purchased through March 16.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com.