You know what I'm missing? Roasted Chestnut vendors. In most European countries at this time of you you can't go anywhere and not find a roasted chestnut stand. I have seen fresh chestnuts for sale, I think it was at Ray's last year, but where can you find hot fresh roasted chestnuts here in Grants Pass? I can't believe that they put out all those Bears every year, but nobody thought to have at least one roasted chestnut vendor on a corner downtown.
The only time I ever saw or had those was when I was in London over christmas back in 1997-98. There might be some up in Victoria BC.
If you're at all up to date on the politics of this town you'll know that trying to get a license for "street vending" is near impossible. Too many "mom & pop" shops complain that they are paying all the taxes and street vendors pay none. There was a write-up in the Sneak Preview about the Korean food trailer that you see around town and they basically demonized him and accused him of actually stealing business from the downtown shops wherever he parked his trailer. I know there are always two sides to every story, but honestly, if you can't weather the competition then maybe you should just close your doors. All that aside, I too would like to see some "holiday" vendors get together and sell the wares around town
I've met the owner of the Vietnamese trailer and heard from him directly and from some locals so I know there is some stress about those types of businesses. I also know some folks very well who had a Cafe on 6th street and it is clear that the major problems are really with the city council and their attitude towards small businesses. I would say they are complete and utter failures in trying to promote small businesses in Grants Pass. Anyway, what business could possibly be harmed by having a roasted chestnut stand downtown? And even then why doesn't a existing business start selling fresh roasted chestnuts? I don't care who sells them, I just want to buy them and I feel it's a tradition that others would also enjoy. BTW: That Vietnamese guy's food is just great!
