Classic cars might bring business to Carver
by Jane Field
The small town of Carver, Minn., located about 45 minuets southwest of
Minneapolis, used to be known chiefly as a drinking spot, a hamlet of 2,500
residents who dew in folks from the surrounding cities to its several bars
along its strip of antique stores and classic boat repair shops.
While those bars and antique shops are still frequented by locals, the growth
of neighboring cities such as Chaska and Chanhassen have made Carver less of
a destination for people.
Now one Carver businesswoman wants to revitalize the town with the help of
classic cars.
Linda Schutz, owner of the Hazelnut House, a quilt and design studio on North
Broadway
in Carver, has asked the city council to create a Carver Car Cruse as a way
to bring people back to downtown.
Schutz, who addressed the Carver City Council, has been on a few car trips
that consist of classic car owners traveling from town to town to show off
their cars. She suggested that the town designated parking on Broadway for
classic cars only on the second Wednesday of June, July, and August.
“Carver has to be an event town right now because there are not enough
businesses to keep traffic and people coming,� Schutz told the council.
While the police department could post signs, council member Mike Webb
suggested the Schutz speak with the bar owners about the plan.
Carver’s heritage is celebrated every year with the “Steamboat Celebration�
during Labor Day weekend along with other community events. The car cruse
would bring more focus to the town and their history.