The 904 Day celebration is expanding the invitation beyond the Northeast Florida area code. The grassroots effort supports local area small businesses and destinations Sept. 4 and throughout Labor Day weekend in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties.
This year, local residents are encouraged to stay in the area for the holiday weekend and invite friends and family from outside the region to join them as they eat, drink, shop and explore.
904 Day began a few years ago inspired by similar area code-based events in cities including Miami and Orlando.
In 2021, a collective effort to amplify the concept was launched by WJCT Public Media, Downtown Vision Inc., JAX Chamber, Visit Jacksonville, the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Wingard marketing and advertising agency, according to a news release from Wingard.
Partners committing to the 904 Day campaign since then include Build Up Downtown, the Downtown Investment Authority, the Jacksonville Daily Record and 904 Happy Hour.
Northeast Florida residents, organizations and companies can show their support by tagging their social media posts Sept. 4 with #904Day.
The Wingard agency has produced a guide to help businesses and residents promote the event. A digital toolkit, which includes downloadable graphics, ideas for how to celebrate 904 Day and sample social media posts, is available at 904day.com.
The Jacksonville Icemen, Art Bikes Jax and Underbelly are just a few of the businesses that will host special events Sept. 4, the release said.
Ashantae Green owns The Farmery Bakery & Bodega at 1303 N. Main St. in Springfield and is normally closed Mondays.
She plans to open the business from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 4 and offer discounts and giveaways as part of 904 Day.
“Elevating small local businesses, including farms, isn’t just important – it’s a game-changer. As a tourist exploring a new place, your support for local businesses leaves a positive impact, directly benefiting the families who call that place home day in and day out,” Green said in the release.
The Wingard agency produced a guide to help businesses and residents promote the event. The digital guide, including downloadable graphics, more ideas for how to celebrate 904 Day and sample social media posts, is available at 904day.com. Strategies include: