SummerFest aims to support small business

INDEED, THE EVENT IS ONE-OF-A-KIND FOR THE censusdesignated place in San Bernardino County “Where the Desert Meets the Mountains.” The Piñon Hills Chamber of Commerce has organized the annual Summerfest since 2007, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an event that, at its core, honors and celebrates the history and culture of the Piñon Hills community.

“Desert rural living is not for everyone,” a section of the Chamber of Commerce’s website states. “Within our borders are independent, self-reliant and motivated artists, crafters and weavers. Gifted individuals whose passion and entrepreneurial spirit parallel those early venturing pioneers settling here more than 200 years ago.”

The 2023 Summerfest aims to reignite that entrepreneurial spirit in the region and offer residents a fun, family-friendly space to gather and enjoy a sense of community while supporting local small businesses.

Small businesses are not just drivers of local economic growth;

By Charity Lindsey

they account for 44% of all U.S. economic activity, according to a 2019 Small Business Association report.

“Each of the 33.2 million small businesses in the United States help grow their local economies and create jobs, making it all the more necessary to provide support to the challenges they face as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Deputy Chief Counsel Major L. Clark, III in a 2022 Small Business Association press release.

California is home to 4.1 million small businesses, creating two-thirds of new jobs and employing nearly half of the state’s total workforce, according to a 2020 statement from the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. However, about 44% of these businesses are at risk of shutting down, according to a 2022 report from the Small Business Majority.

Along with government aid, “consumer support” is essential for small business growth, according to a Forbes article by Martin Rowinski, the CEO of Boardsi, published in March 2022.

“Inexpensive products delivered to your home from Amazon are nice, but also consider supporting small businesses,” Rowinski wrote. “...make an effort to put money back into the main drivers of our economy and look to them for employment opportunities to help them keep their doors open.”

Events like the Summerfest are incredible opportunities for local residents to offer that essential consumer support to small businesses while also enjoying a community event with live entertainment and fellowship. It also offers small business owners in the High Desert a way to be seen by a wider audience.

This year, the Piñon Hills Chamber of Commerce is working with Mother Road Enterprises, the publishers of PULSE Publication, to promote the Summerfest. The Pieces & Bits section of the publication, which aims to “humor, enlighten and inform readers,” will feature all of the Summerfest event sponsors and participating

The 2023 Gateway Summerfest will feature an artisans market, live music, food vendors, carnival games, prize raffles, a dunk tank, and more. It will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on June 3 at Piñon Hills Elementary, 878 Mono Road. Local residents are invited to attend this free community event and encouraged to share it with

MORE VENDORS ARE WANTED! Food, crafts, and business booths are welcome at the event. Booth spaces cost between $75 and $150 and include an advertisement in PULSE Publication. Those interested in participating may visit www.PinonHillsSummerFest. square.site to reserve a booth space.

EVENT SPONSORS NEEDED! There are three tier levels of sponsorship available, ranging from $200 to $1,000, and all include advertising opportunities. Those interested in becoming an event sponsor and supporting the efforts of the Summerfest may email Summerfest@PinonHillsChamber.info to request more information