Common Ground

Usually the motive for promoting downtowns is to protect the core businesses that are the center of the community. With few exception, these businesses are locally owned.  Sometimes called Mom and Pop stores. I'm taking  liberty to promote a fun event at a Son, Mom and Pop store that is in the neighboring community of Oconomowoc. My son Michael took a leap of faith and bought a floundering pet supply and tropical fish store out in the country, so to speak. There is a cornfield across the street so that qualifies as country.

The locally owned pet store is fast becoming a thing of the past. National chains come into the area and mom and pop owned pet stores are pushed out, lacking the buying power of the big boxes. Such is the fear of the proposed Pabst Farm development. So far I read only of the threat  to downtown. Well, this blog today is not about political considerations. It is about fun.

Saturday, Michael is having the Grand Opening of HIS store, Aquatic World Discount Pet Supply. I refer to it as the Oconomowoc Zoo. Mike has worked hard to overcome a "colorful" history that the location has. Saturday he celebrates with his friends and welcomes everyone to come by for some food and beverages. Besides all the critters of the store such as Harley the Parrot, Keko the Monkey, Tortuga the Tortoise and an eight foot Python that doesnt need a name, there will be dog and cat rescues with pets looking to match up with a new human. There will be seminars, manufacturer reps showing products, hamster races and more. Kids like face painting. High school volunteers from the area will doing that and help with other kids activities. Did I mention there there are drawings for aquarium kits and stuff for dogs, cats and critters and some stuffed toys for the kids?

Stop by and if you need some pet supplies, there will be plenty of that too. The store in located on Brown Street which is Highway P north of Hwy 16, just west of Hwy 67 and downtown Oconomowoc.