DeeDra Vosberg spent a recent chilly evening outside of the Alltel Center, briefly talking to visitors and saying “Here’s some information on a shopping event this weekend in the city center” maybe a few hundred times.

Volunteerism is fueling the no-frills beginnings of Mankato’s City Center Business Association. The association has no paid staff, and is working with city funding of $25,000 for 2008.

The goal is simple: Boost spending at downtown businesses.

The association is holding its first event on today and Saturday, called “Holi-2day — A Weekend of City Center Shopping.” Twenty-six businesses are offering discounts and holding drawings.

Shoppers who bring a bag of food items for the ECHO Food Shelf will receive a bag with exclusive offers.

In addition to stimulating downtown spending, Vosberg says the event will show businesses that the association is serious about increasing foot traffic here.

So far, 108 of the roughly 500 businesses in the city center — which includes Old Town, downtown Mankato and Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato — have joined the association.

There’s no fee for joining at this point, and the association is separate from Greater Mankato Growth, though a staff member out of that office helps the association.

Also during the shopping event is an unrelated art sale held at the Alltel Center’s Ellerbe Room.

Professional artists will showcase their work from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

“Everyone here is attempting to make a living doing art,” said Patty Conlin, who is putting on the show.

On the Web: For participating businesses and the specials they’re offering, visit http://mankatocitycenter.com