The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg

It was in the late 1970s that a small group of Blacksburg merchants hatched a plan to sponsor an annual summer fair. Their efforts did not take long to root, and eventually the celebration they founded grew to be the Steppin' Out Street Festival that we know and love today. Buoyed by the success of Steppin' Out and encouraged by town citizens, the merchants determined to create a formal organization to represent and advance the town's Central Business District. In 1988, The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg (DMOB), was formed. This non-profit organization now numbers nearly 100 merchants, dedicated to making the town's commercial center as lively as it is safe and attractive.

Each year, the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg host numerous community events, including the International Street Fair & Parade, Art Along the Alley, Summer Solstice Fest (new in 2008!), a Fourth of July Parade, Downtown Trick or Treating, the Winter Lights Festival and more. In 2007, the annual Steppin' Out Festival brought over 30,000 visitors to Blacksburg during the first weekend in August. Proceeds of the festival are reinvested right back into the community. DMOB has provided funding for park benches, brick pavers, the Farmers' Market, the Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg's Hand-in-Hand Playground, and scholarships.

We put our money where our hearts are: Downtown Blacksburg.