ROYAL OAK, Mich (WXYZ) — As the 28th annual Arts, Beats and Eats festival takes place in Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority is distributing $80,000 worth of gift cards through its Downtown Dollars program to encourage visitors to shop at local businesses.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Royal Oak giving away gift cards to local businesses during Arts, Beats and Eats

The $20 gift cards can be used at participating downtown businesses throughout September, providing festival-goers with an incentive to explore Royal Oak's retail and dining scene beyond the weekend event.

Local restaurant owner Mario Cutraro, who runs Trattoria da Luigi with his family, has participated in Arts, Beats and Eats since its inception. He appreciates the city's Downtown Dollars initi

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