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Lebanon's downtown merchants are inviting visitors to stop and smell the flowers this spring — and take a look at the merchandise along the way.

Twenty-five stores and retailers have banded together this May to attract customers by welcoming them to "Tiptoe through the tulips — and pardon our dust." The promotion is designed to let visitors and shoppers know that downtown Lebanon is blossoming with specials and activities in the face of downtown road construction.

"We just want to remind people, especially Lebanon residents, that we're still here," said Oh Suzanna owner Joan Townsend, whose store is taking part in the event. "We felt it would be a fun promotion to get some people downtown."

All merchants participating in the event have a stylized yellow tulip hanging in their door or a front window. The merchants also will have specials and sales throughout the event, culminating with Mother's Day weekend.

On May 10, McMurray Frames and Gifts will host a book signing with Julie Florence, author of the cookbook/family memoir "Apple Betty and Sloppy Joe." Other events on May 10 include a tasting of Rothschild Farm Gourmet Foods at Beneath the Tree, free samples of Crabtree and Evelyn products at Oh Suzanna and a cookie tasting at the Garden Gate.

Townsend said the tulip design was chosen as a simple of spring awakening — not just the season, but downtown revitalizing after a winter slumber.

"We love our local customers," Townsend said. "Not just because they shop here, but we love when they visit downtown and bring some life to it. We hope to attract enough people it becomes a real town center."

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

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