So, how do you convince people that concealed carry or open carry is safe unless you demonstrate that it is safe?
Open Carry demonstrates nothing other than you can scare people.
How?
You start a good PR campaign. Begin with free gun safety classes for kids. Promote then through the private schools first. More likely to have conservative business owner parents.
Then get media involved. First find the most conservative MSM in town. Probably the local Fox affiliate.
Be prepared for lots of flak. Counter it with education, not Wyatt Earp.
There is much more you can do, and win, but scareing the hell out of people is not how to do it.