There is life in downtown Mt. Pleasant

Patrons wiped pie crumbs from their faces as they walked from business to business, avoiding construction areas, for Main Street Mt. Pleasant's first-ever 'Pie in the Sky: There is life in downtown Mt. Pleasant” event.

Susan De Wulf, Emilie Glass, and her children Helen and Georgia Glass checked off all 11 businesses on their map, visiting stores they had never frequented before and meeting local business owners.

'We came out for the stroll ... and the pie,” said Susan De Wulf as she pushed Helen and Georgia in a double stroller. 'Downtown is the heart and soul of Mt. Pleasant,” De Wulf continued. 'I'm impressed with the Main Street's efforts. I think they're very creative.”

During Pie in the Sky, downtown businesses served pie and reminded customers that despite construction in the Central Business District to improve water lines and make sidewalks ADA Compliant, they are still open for business.

Mary Garmoe, owner of Batter & Dough (and more), served peach pie, strawberry rhubarb pie and moon cookies. The peach pie was made by Garmoe's mother.

'Peach pie is always a staple in our house,” Garmoe said. 'It is a family business.”

Garmoe said that even though construction has closed North Main Street between West Moneroe Street and West Madison Street this week, it hasn't affected her business at all. In fact, Garmoe said they are still selling out of soup every day and selling a lot of baked goods.

'I was concerned. We've only been open two months,” Garmoe said. 'When they tear up our road this summer, we plan to have some light specials to keep customers coming in.”

Next door at Quilter's Paradise, Kathy Hopkins served a refreshing frozen strawberry lemon pie. Hopkins said that construction has been a little tough, with many of her customers being older and unable to walk as far.

'A lot haven't come in because they can't park right out front,” Hopkins said.

Even so, Hopkins is encouraged by the Main Street business community who is working together to come up with ideas like Pie in the Sky to bring customers downtown.

'We're working together to get through the next two months,” Hopkins said. 'If we don't support each other, we're not going to make it.”

At Mirror Image Salon Tammy Mumme served peanut butter, chocolate and grape pie made by her employee Fonda Arbogarp.

Mumme said that so far construction has been OK. Customers have been very understanding and don't mind if they have to walk a block to get their hair trimmed. Mumme said they have a wheelchair to help pick up older customers on the corner if they call ahead.

Arbogarp's grape pie was probably the unique dish served during Pie in the Sky. Arbogarp said she just loves making pies and always likes to try something different. She canned the grapes last summer and used the juice to make the pie.

Toni Meyer, at West Liberty Foods, said construction crews have been very supportive throughout the construction process. On Wednesdays when West Liberty Foods serves walking tacos, the construction workers have been coming in and giving West Liberty Foods their business.

Meyer said that Pie in the Sky was a great idea.

'You can't make them come downtown, but you can give them a good offer,” Meyer said.

Sherry Bertsch, at Country Charm Flowers, served chocolate chip bars with sprinkles instead of pie. She was busy finishing corsages for Mt. Pleasant Community High School's prom this weekend. Throughout the construction, Bertsch said they are trying to think positively.

'I can't wait until it's over. It's going to be nice once it's done,” Bertsch said. 'We'll make it through.”

Allstate Insurance, which opened on North Main Street on April 1, participated in their first Main Street Mt. Pleasant event on Thursday. They served peanut butter, pumpkin, apple and cherry pie.

Sue Frisbie joked that she enjoys the vibration of the buildings during construction because it stops her from dozing off.

Kristal King said she loves being downtown with the historic buildings and beauty that goes along with being in a Main Street district.

'It's nice to be in a community with an active Main Street board. It seems to be flourishing,” King said.

At Brown's Shoe Fit, Tara Mullin served thin crust Breadeaux Pizza.

'We chose pizza because it's easy,” Mullin said.

Mullin said the construction has been 'fine” and customers have been patient. She knows eventually customers won't be able to get close enough to the store to see the sign, and they had Tim Hill, their neighbor at Central Park Coffee Company, paint a man with a yellow and black construction sign that reads 'Shoe Zone” on their store window to draw attention to the store.

Central Park Coffee Company, Breadeaux Pizza, The Vintage Raven and Your Dream Home Furniture also participated in Pie in the Sky.