By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Lead Reporter - Salina Post
Eyecatching, colorful signs often accompany events and celebrations throughout Salina, decorating the sidewalks and street corners to announce "Congratulations!" to graduates or "Happy Birthday!" to a family member.
The woman behind these signs, Jacqueline Wood, owner of the Salina Area Sign Gypsies franchise, places each arrangement after designing and ordering them.
"It's just fun, and usually, it's a really big photo opportunity," Wood said. "It's also a good social media tool for businesses."
Wood purchased the business from Gina Turner last year, who began the franchise a few years prior.
The colorful signs often assist fundraisers and other events by helping patrons find their locations or draw new visitors who may not have heard of the celebration beforehand.
Wood said she enjoys uplifting other local events and that each customer greets her with smiles and excitement.
"It's really fun. There's really nothing bad about it," Wood said. "Everybody is happy to see me because they're celebrating, and so this is part of the celebration, too."
READ MORE: 99KG's path to the top — community, content and consistency
The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce often works with Wood for events and promotions across town, and she said that, alongside the community support she receives, the Chamber acts as an additional resource and aid for her LLC.
"The Chamber is really helpful. I'm a member of the Chamber, and they're always willing to promote things that you want to promote and encourage you to get involved and network," Wood said.
Throughout the next few weekends, Wood said she plans on placing celebratory signs at most of the graduations in Saline County, where dozens of students and their family members will pose in front of to capture memories of the day.