Manassas hopes to cash in on inaugural visitors

Believing many visitors in the area for the presidential inauguration will be here for four days or more, Historic Manassas Inc. has launched a campaign to bring them into Old Town to do some sightseeing, shopping, dining and "experience everything that the downtown area has to offer."

HMI has designed and printed 2,000 Old Town brochures and distributed them to 11 hotels in the greater Manassas area. Many of the managers have agreed to put the brochure in the rooms for the out-of-town visitors, as opposed to in a rack in the lobby or on the check-in desk.

"Our goal is to attract the visitors that are filling area hotels for this historic weekend. Before going into Washington, D.C., for the inauguration, we are hoping they spend some time in our community. For many travelers, this will be a four-day weekend, so many of the shops and galleries in Old Town that are normally closed on Mon-days are not only open this Monday but will extend their hours into the early evening," said Steve Urry, mar-keting and event coordinator.

The brochure noted that "Visitors are about to experience history as the American presidential inauguration invites a spectacular amount of fanfare. On Jan. 20, our new president gets his own day of feasting, procession, statesmanship and celebration. We invite you to experience your own fanfare on 'Main Street USA' in historic Old Town Manassas.

"A day trip can include a stop at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, followed by a tour of the Manassas Museum, dining in one of several wonderful restaurants, and then a little shopping in the quaint stores of Old Town."

Urry suggests that those coming into Old Town check out the Manassas Visitor Center in the historic Manassas Train Depot, the signature icon of Old Town.

The center is open seven days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached by calling 703-361-6599.

Old Town visitors that would like to spend the day shopping and touring the historic district can obtain a free all-day parking pass at the visitor center. Although there is no charge for parking in Old Town, all public parking is in timed areas.

HMI is kicking off the inaugural weekend with an open house and ribbon cutting Friday.

"We have invited area business owners, local dignitaries and members of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce to stop by to celebrate the opening of our Main Street office," said Patty Tracy, executive director of HMI.

"This award-winning National Virginia Main Street organization finally has a Main Street address—9366 Main St.," she said. HMI is a non-profit organization funded by private donations and the City of Manassas and since February 1986 has been leading the revitalization and promotion of Old Town.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.