Weirding out

Borrowing a well-known slogan from Austin, Texas, a couple have stated their desire to “Make Sixth Street Weird” in Amarillo, reports the Amarillo Globe-News.

From the story …

Ryan Koch and Kaylee Hamill are the founders of Make Sixth Street Weird, an effort aimed at promoting events and businesses on the historic thoroughfare, which is part of U.S. Route 66.

The area, situated in the San Jacinto neighborhood between McMasters and Western streets, suffers from a negative reputation, Hamill said. […]

“We’re just trying to get people back down here,” he said. “This area offers so much to do and see, but people just don’t know about it.” […]

Besides promoting and hosting events, Koch and Hamill said they also want the campaign to bring attention to businesses on Sixth Avenue.

The mile-long stretch of road includes everything from restaurants and bars to tattoo parlors and antique stores, plus some lesser-known businesses such as the Moon Lotus Dance Co. and the Cowboy Gelato shop, Koch and Hamill said.

One of the first events Make Sixth Street Weird is promoting is the Sixth Street Creepy Crawl on Halloween. The event includes a $5 wristband that provides discounts at participating businesses, and will include other activities. Other events are being planned for the spring and summer.

A merchant quoted in the story was concerned that the group’s efforts would attract only young kids, which made me want to bang my head against the wall. Wouldn’t it seem sensible from a long-term business standpoint to draw young potential customers, as they tend to live a lot longer?

Make Sixth Street Weird’s Twitter site is here, its Facebook site is here, its MySpace site is here, and its main Web site is here.