FOLEY – With Foley's downtown Arts and Entertainment District well established, new markers will be designating the boundaries of the downtown area.

The Foley City Council approved placing pre-printed thermal markers to designate the limits of the district. The markers will replace stencil signs painted on the sidewalks when the district was established.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the original stencils were a temporary measure put in place while the city determined if the district would be a success. He said the new markers will be a permanent designation for the area.

"When the downtown Arts and Entertainment District was created, we put it on a probationary period. They did not want to invest in expensive signs if the entertainment district wasn't going to last," Hellmich said. "Now we know that it will. It's been well received by everybody. We need to make these more permanent. It will look better and be much more visible."

Foley Main Street, the city's downtown improvement association, developed the district to promote businesses in the Foley's historic section. 

Darrelyn Dunmore, Foley Main Street executive director, said the new markers will be a more distinct emblem for the district than the stenciled signs. The markers are made of a non-slip material. The blue and yellow colors will stand out on the sidewalks.

Customers of participating restaurants and bars in the district are allowed to take drinks outside the businesses. The entertainment district was created to bring more business and activity to downtown, enhancing community engagement and cultural activities.

Drink cups must include a sticker with the Arts and Entertainment District emblem.

Dunmore said the recent increase in demand for stickers shows that the program is popular.

Hellmich said the district shows how well Foley Main Street has improved downtown.

"They are doing an incredible job," Hellmich said. "Main Street is an incredible glue that holds downtown together. We're going to continue to improve downtown and support our businesses. It's just really a vibrant area now and where people want to go."