2020 at Downtown Roseville: A Year in Review

2020 is not just any year; it marked a new decade. At this same time the previous year, many of us were looking forward to a year filled with exciting events and the changes a new decade would bring. What we didn’t expect was COVID-19, which impacted businesses and consumers in unexpected and unimaginable ways. However, throughout the year, we’ve seen Downtown Roseville adapt and grow with the situation in many ways that reflect the #WeAreRoseville way.  

Many of our Downtown Roseville small businesses began offering e-commerce as an alternative way of doing business. You can now order online from businesses such as Barlett Flower & Gifts, The Strum Shop, and Terra Cottage Collective for pickup or delivery.  

Restaurants in our community made many modifications to follow safety guidelines. They persevered with takeout and delivery through their own avenues and through third party delivery services such as DoorDash. Randy Peters Catering and Apart Café are serving pre-packaged meals/meal kits for individuals and families to enjoy. In addition, the Roseville Chamber of Commerce organized Placer Valley Eats in support of local restaurants. The City of Roseville also offered support by building new outdoor dining patios in response to outdoor-only dining. The K-Rails surrounding these dining decks were painted and beautified, courtesy of Blue Line Arts.  

Downtown Roseville service providers have also undoubtedly gone through obstacles. Salons and spas had to go through a period of lockdowns. Now that they have reopened, stylists are anxious to get back to a full client load. Instructional facilities such as the School of Rock and The Strum Shop introduced online classes so students can continue learning at home. Roseville Theatre Arts premiered their rendition of “The Masked Singer” called “The Properly Masked Singer”. This virtual series is slated to return for a New Year’s Eve special. 

Non-profits and charities have also had to work extra hard this year to accommodate more people in need. The Salvation Army is asking people to donate online via their “Virtual Red Kettle” in attempts to make up for less foot traffic this year. Places of worship such as The Rock of Roseville are showing live streams and replays of their services for those who would prefer to stay home.  

Despite physical distancing, we were able to make some of our events happen. Blue Line Art’s Lottery for the Arts went virtual and helped raise money for their art education programs. Our Drive-Thru Trick or Treat was a success with volunteers handing out candy to families in their vehicles in an orderly fashion. Additionally, the Roseville Turkey Trot was held virtually for the first time, with sold-out registrations. The tree lighting video was also posted for all to enjoy from the comfort of home.   

The phrase “if there’s a will, there’s a way” fully embodies the hustle of our community to survive these trying times. We at Downtown Roseville would like to thank everyone for staying strong and resilient through it all. Have a safe and healthy holiday season!  

Photo credit: Go Downtown Roseville Facebook // Shady Coffee and Tea's Peppermint Lattes