Cedar Springs Merchants Association reorganizes

The Cedar Springs Merchants Association, in existence for 30 years, has not met since the pandemic. Oak Lawn merchants, bar managers and owners and others from the community met last week at the Round-Up Saloon to relaunch the organization. Topics covered included safety and security, upcoming events and beautifying the area.

Safety concerns included the growing number of homeless people along Cedar Springs Road. Lighted, gated areas act as a deterrent, and several unlit areas were identified. Ideas to improve neighborhood safety include a bill already discussed with Assemblyman Rafael Anchia to create an Oak Lawn Improvement District.

Upcoming events include Pride on Cedar Springs Road. The month of celebration kicks off on August 31st with the Met Gayla Fundraiser. On September 7th there will be the Big Gay Fair, a huge party with details to come. Then on September 15th there will be the Pride Parade on Cedar Springs.

Other events hosted by the Traders Association include the Wine Walk. The most recent event attracted more than 20 traders, a record number for the monthly event.

Planning for the Halloween Block Party begins in August. The street party usually takes place the Saturday before Halloween, but the exact date is determined by the end date of the State Fair of Texas and police availability.

Money raised at Wine Walk has gone toward beautification projects, such as the rainbow-colored Oak Lawn signs at both ends of the strip, street trash cans and landscaping. The 10 rainbow crosswalks have deteriorated rapidly and the group has discussed replacing them with a more durable material. Attempts to clean them with a pressure washer have not worked.

The next Merchants Association meeting will be held on August 22nd at noon at the Round-Up and is open to anyone who operates a business in the area or promotes Cedar Springs and the surrounding business community.

— David Taffeta