HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — A private group in Hagerstown aims to give downtown redevelopment a boost by showing people what a thriving city center could look like.

Rori Daughtridge of the Downtown Movement tells the The Herald-Mail (http://bit.ly/1vlSSwi ) that at least six local business based outside the city center are opening temporary, “pop-up” shops in vacant downtown storefronts this weekend.

The project runs from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.

Daughtridge says some of the businesses are considering opening permanent downtown stores.

The event coincides with one of the city’s biggest annual events, the German-themed Augustoberfest, now in its 19th year.

The outdoor, beer-and-polka party on Saturday and Sunday celebrates the relationship between Hagerstown and its sister city, Wesel (VAY-sel), Germany.

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