Today, the Oregon District will host a “cash mob,” but the large, sudden gathering of people will not dance or sing.

“Instead of dancing, we are going to give money to the business community and socialize,” said Bethany Ramsey, co-founder of BAM!, a collective of artists, designers and urban planners that is coordinating the event.

Cash mobs are modeled after flash mobs — groups of people who organize a quick, surprising event usually via electronic messages. But instead of gathering for dance routines like flash mobs, cash mob participants flock to local shops to support them with a flood of purchases.

“It is to create an economic stimulus — a boost to local businesses by encouraging people to go to these shops en masse, and spend up to $20,” Ramsey said.

The cash mob will assemble at 5 p.m. today at 521 E. Fifth St., and participants will be distributed maps showing businesses that are partaking. Participants are asked to spend as much as $20 at the businesses they choose to patronize, and after the shopping spree is over, they are invited to a celebration at Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery.

Ramsey said the cash mob is BAM!’s first event, and by Wednesday, more than 40 people had already pledged to be part of the mob. She said Dayton’s businesses could see more cash mob hits in the future if today’s event is a success.

Cash mobs have struck throughout the nation. The concept was pioneered by Cleveland-area attorney Andrew Samtoy, who hopes the mobs will prompt consumers to frequent locally-owned stores.

Samtoy designated today as International Cash Mob Day, and thousands of people are expected to swarm local businesses in recognition.