Street Talk

Music, Tractors And Food This Weekend

By Mickey Howley

I often find myself explaining what Main Street does. In these instants I have to figure quickly how much of an explanation the person wants. The nutshell response is “sustaining economic development through historic downtown renovation and rehabilitation.”

A longer response can go on for quite some time, but often a good way of explaining Main Street is by what we do. First, we organize. That is we ask community leaders, business people and citizens to provide guidance, input, energy and direction. We promote Water Valley not only to our own residents, but also to the surrounding areas via festivals, events (including Movie On Main, Studio Crawl, Farmers Market, etc.), brochures, media, and advertising.

Second, we research. We assist with information regarding economic possibilities via zip code surveys, area economic spending profiles (who is spending what where), programs for new businesses and low interest loans.

Third, we design.  We welcome both professional skills and pick up the shovel grunt ideas and actions for new sidewalks and streetscapes, restored facades, and the general downtown environment. And we are creative. The Arts Council helps bring the arts to the town’s youth, hosts community wide art events, and develops the local art community.

What keeps downtown coming back strong and Water Valley in general healthy is your money. A big part of making Water Valley economically stronger is actively buying goods and services here. Spending your money here with local businesses, both established and new, multiplies the effect your dollar has on our community. Your spending in Water Valley not only helps the existing anchor businesses, but encourages new businesses.  Existing businesses and new business will suffer or even fail if residents will not continuously patronize them.  Conversely, new businesses will thrive and new businesses will invest in a district if they feel the community will support them. The positive trend is that there are new businesses coming to Water Valley’s downtown.

In October, the Water Valley Main Street Association elects new officers, board members, committee chairs. It is the month when we step back for a moment to assess what we have done and where we are going. It is the month when we publicly thank our hard working volunteers and encourage new members to join. If you are interested in bringing back downtown like we are, contact Kagan Coughlin, Bill Taylor, or Pat Ray. Or call Main Street at 473-6767.

This Saturday is the last Farmers Market of the season. The season ending event will be the Farmers Market Fiesta and Antique Tractor Show. There will be some special vendors at this market as well as your regular favorites. We have food to sample and live music to enjoy in Railroad Park from 8am to noon.

This Friday night is last of the Music in the Park series for the season. The music starts at 7:30.  Come hear Joe Fonte and MLC (Mid-Life Crisis).  

Also put on your calendar the following dates: Oct. 4 for the monthly WVMSA meeting,  Oct. 6 and 9 for the next Open Mike Nite and Poets Night both at Bozarts, Oct. 15 for the season ending Movie On Main, Oct. 16 for the Community Sing-a-Long in City Park, and Oct. 21 for the WVMSA annual general meeting.  We have a busy month ahead!  Hope to see you at many of these events.