Traverse City Record-Eagle

2010 Traverse City Film Festival

Related Photos

  • A line of people forms outside of the City Opera House Tuesday, July 27, 2010 prior to the start of the movie, "Nowhere Boy," during the Traverse City Film Festival. Michael Moore also was giving a special presentation prior to the viewing of the movie. Record-Eagle/Keith King

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  • Jeffrey Libman, bottom, general manager at Amical, works while customers dine at the restaurant Tuesday during the Traverse City Film Festival. Record-Eagle/Keith King

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July 28, 2010

Merchants hoping for boost from festival

BY SHERI McWHIRTER smcwhirter@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Katie Rothman strolled down Front Street with her daughter, Marykate, and her sister, Sammy Haas, browsing through T-shirts and other souvenirs.

The tourists from Ohio intended to spend just Tuesday in Traverse City while they vacation in nearby Kalkaska County, but changed their minds when they noticed a festival is under way. Now they plan to come back to town and spend a few bucks to see some movies.

"We got to town and said, 'What is the Traverse City Film Festival?'" Katie Rothman said. "We'll have to come back and check it out later this week."

Shop owners, restaurateurs and hotel proprietors expect Rothman is not alone.

All of Traverse City is braced for the sixth Traverse City Film Festival and the estimated $10 million it pours into the community.

"It's wall-to-wall, but it moves quickly. We get very, very busy. It's been a great thing for Traverse City," said Joy Green, co-owner of Green House Cafe on Front Street.

Many eateries and shops extend hours during festival week and some offer special discounts or create movie-themed window displays.

And the excitement isn't limited to Front Street.

"I'm hoping being between two venues will help. In-between movies people should be wandering past," said Aaron Gooch, who owns Sound It Out Records on Union Street.

Gooch hopes festival films about the Beatles, Rush and U2 will spark an interest in the store's vinyl stocks.

At the Park Place Hotel in downtown Traverse City — the most centrally located hotel during the film festival — the week's events are expected to reap financial rewards.

"The film festival has been tremendous for us. Normally we're busy through July, but with the Film Festival it allows us to be more profitable," said Amy Parker, hotel general manager. "We do get the occupancy, but it enhances our rates. We don't have to discount as much."

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