There’s been a lot of disagreement over some downtown redevelopment efforts.

People on both sides of some development projects have a vision of what downtown can be and, despite disagreements, are making the case for projects that make downtown Warren a destination.

There are other ways to make downtown a destination, among them new events that bring people downtown who perhaps wouldn’t come otherwise. And that’s why there should be excitement over the recently announced inaugural Downtown Warren Fall Foliage Festival on Oct. 11-12.

Participating businesses will be “providing hospitality, specials, demonstrations, make ‘n take, children’s activities and entertainment. A map of participating businesses and events will be available.”

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A street dance will be held on Second Ave. on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. followed by square dancing and music. The Warren Area Student Union will be open both evenings. Crary Art Gallery will be open noon to six both days while the City’s Comprehensive Plan Task Force is holding a Trail of Treats at 2 p.m. at Crescent Park.

A Facebook event page for the festival can be found at the “Explore Downtown Warren, PA” page.

The best part of this new event is who is organizing it. Businesses have come together to find the idea, create a program and find volunteers.

In the past WCCBI has been the driving force for events like the fall foliage festival. It’s encouraging to see business owners take it upon themselves to create something new. And, it makes sense to feature the Allegheny River in the plans. The more we do to draw people to the riverfront the better.

Mark Oct. 11-12 on your calendars, Warren County. Come on down, Chautauqua County residents. The Downtown Warren Fall Foliage Festival sounds like fun – and hopefully the start of something big, too.