And what exactly do I mean by that?  Well, I love it when the community can come together and it has nothing to do with a sporting event or anything else competitive.  It's delightful to run into old Friends at a show at the Arabian Theatre, a tea at the YWCO, a program at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, an Open House, a concert and the Annual Community Thanksgiving Service that rotates through the downtown area churches.  It tells me the Christmas parade and Pancake Day are right around the corner.  Fond memories of songs sung and stories told begin to float into my mind.  There was the historic (in my mind) Christmas Parade where Becky Windham told me Jonathan Wells had proposed marriage.  Another where I not only judged the marching bands atop the "bridge to nowhere" but also helped Santa in and out of the chimney - all during a heat wave with a high in the 90's! Ah, the South, ya gotta love it, especially the weather!  So, here's to the "most wonderful time of the year", bring it!

Post by Judi Holifield, Executive Director

I really love fall and a good breathe of fresh air!  The First United Methodist Pumpkin Patch reminds me just how much!  Watching kids walk through the patch to pick out a pumpkin just right for carving is the best.  Although we are still at a "no jacket required" stage in the weather, it's cooler!  Perfect for walking through downtown.  On my walks, I've noticed several construction workers down at 552 Central Ave., a new awning and name at Lomax, now Downtown Printers, a commerial shoot at The Loft Patio for Elegant Evenings, a window going in at the Busy Bee, and the beauty of flowers still blooming in giant concrete containers.  Come on, fall!

Post by Judi Holifield, Executive Director

There is life after Loblolly!  I was beginning to wonder!  It seemed that my first weeks as the "new" Executive Director for Laurel Main Street would only be associated with one word...Loblolly!  Hosting a festival, I found,  is all consuming.  Events are one thing, outdoor events, quite another! Now that I'm personally acquainted with the actual streets of downtown Laurel, I feel even more convinced that our city is a unique and wonderful place to reside.  (Old bricks and the workman who placed them have a special place in my heart today!)  As to the festival, it was an absolutely perfect day.  The weather was beautiful, people moved in and out among the vendors and I enjoyed my first nutty bar, corn dog and scent of fall.  The festival atmosphere was ripe with good music, talent, dog lovers, art lovers and happy children riding ponies and what not.  Who could ask for a better beginning?  NEXT!

-Post by Judi Holifield, Executive Director

This week in Main Street we're working on getting vendor applications mailed/emailed to all those who participated in the 2010 Loblolly Festival. Our goal is to expand the number of vendors! If you sell arts & crafts or food and would like to participate, please email info@laurelmainstreet.com with your contact info: name, product, mailing address, phone number OR call 601-433-3255.

Looking forward to a great turnout,

Judi

Today,  I was visited at the Main Street office by the talented Shane Kelley, musician extraordinaire. Shane informed me that his music lessons business has settled in nicely to its new downtown home at 531 Central Avenue, Suite C. 

Shane studied composition at Berklee College of Music and opened a music shop in downtown several years ago some of you may remember called Coda. More recently, he taught guitar at Jones County Junior College as part of a lifelong learning program.

I've seen Shane play guitar at various venues for years now, yet all this time I had no idea that he can also play bass, drums and piano. He will be teaching lessons daily on all four instruments and is currently taking students. His new studio is located inside the corridor next to Blossman Gas, across from City Centre Crepes and Coffeehouse (C4). If you are interested in signing up for lessons, give Shane a call at (601)323-7625.

We discussed the possibility of Shane hosting live music shows at each of the venues available in downtown--C4, The Loft, Lee's, any of our downtown parks. He said that he is already planning to perform at The Loft when it re-opens in its new location at The Courtyards.

Now if only we could get Shane to duet with Erin Rasberry Napier, our board president's lovely wife who is also talented at guitar and vocals. Could this be the year?

- Post by Jacqueline Lee, Exec. Director