McKinney’s downtown commercial district includes more than 120 shops and over two dozen restaurants, according to the city of McKinney website. But since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic in early March, Penn said the square has been completely locked down. The businesses that are still functioning in the square in downtown McKinney are only able to operate in a curbside pickup or delivery capacity, he said.
Out of concern for the square and its local businesses, Penn is organizing a car rally where he is encouraging residents to drive through the square and honk their horns and bring signs showing support for small businesses, he said.
“We are not protesting against the virus. This is not a 'reopen' rally. This is just a lot of folks in downtown McKinney that want to show their support and don't want to lose their favorite watering hole or somewhere where they get their hair cut or shop on the square,” Penn said. “It’s basically just to show our love for downtown McKinney and how important the square is.”
The car rally will be held at 6 p.m. at The Celt Irish Pub, located at 100 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, and will make its way around the McKinney square. Penn is asking people to practice social distancing and safe driving. More information can be found here.
