June 1 Block Party Celebrates Main Street’s 200 Block Comeback
The 200 Block of Main Street welcomes everyone to attend their Block Party, celebrating their facade renovations on June 1. There will be an open house to celebrate the fulfillment of facade grants and renovations. The party begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, with musical performances starting at 5 p.m. in the Pocket Park.
Local musicians, Jon McLeod, Kevin Guyer, Tony Boyd, Jason Evans, Bryan Civitell, Jared Spears, and Sam Van Winkle Band, will be playing until 9 p.m. Lawn games will be set up on the open lot on the south side of the block. In the event of rain, outdoor events will be moved indoors. There will be crafts, craft vendors, and local artisans, including Curtis Godwin from C&T Woodworks.
Valley STEAM Works will also set up activities and Civitello’s Italian Ice will be on hand, as well as face painting, sidewalk art and a mini petting zoo. All ages are encouraged to come join us for the music, activities, treats, arts and crafts.
Find out more by searching 200 BLOCK PARTY on Facebook, or go to the trusty diner.com/blockparty
Additional information about each business on the 200 block follows:
213 Main Street: Originally a small movie theater, this building on the north end of the block was converted into retail space decades ago and has housed several successful businesses. It was just recently purchased and the exterior facade will be revamped soon. The interior is currently being remodeled and readied for the next chapter in its historic life.
The large front half of the building will be available for lease very soon, while the back half will be studio space or furniture restoration.
Water Valley Furniture Restoration & Refinishing: Also at 213, Water Valley Restoration specializes in preserving, restoring, and finishing fine antique furniture. As a professional antique furniture restorer, Randall Uncapher has over 30 years experience in restoring fine antiques and family heirlooms. He specialized in preserving, restoring and finishing pieces passed down from generation to generation. The studio space will offer his traditional approach to restoration, which is easier on your antiques and the environment by minimizing the use of harsh chemicals. The workshop entrance is in the rear of the building and is open by chance or appointment.
YaloRUN Textiles: A multi-functional creative space/studio and textile supply store in Water Valley, the business is owned and operated by 2017 South Arts Southern Prize Finalist and State Fellow Quilter Coulter Fussell. YaloRUN offers sewing and quilting supplies, as well as tools for craft and textile development. A material and piecework exchange for second hand materials fosters collaboration and creative reuse. YaloRUN is part of broader grassroots movements; reinvigorating craft in America, maintaining our traditional communities centered on handcraft, and promoting the development of the arts.
Hair Trendz: The building, currently known as Hair Trendz, has been a barbershop or hair salon for over 40 years. The building was owned by Tommy and Betty Ruth Swearengen when Hope and Julie began Hair Trendz. The building is currently a full service salon. The owner, Hope Stovall, was born in Oxford. She moved away with her mother at a young age, but she came back to raise her son. The shop has three other stylists, Leighann Richardson, Acacia Newman and Julie Paul. The shop also offers the services of makeup stylist Cassandra Elizabeth, for special occasions.
Water Valley Main Street Association: When Water Valley Main Street Association started in 2007, its first job was the restoration of the front office at 207 North Main. Under Director Jessie Gurner, the original ceiling, tile wainscoting, and mosaic floor were uncovered and restored. The stained transom glass panels, hidden for years, were uncovered. The building currently not only houses WVMSA, but also the Water Valley Arts Council. The building is a fine example of the WVMSA’s emphasis of economic development through historic preservation, believing that fixing what is already there is the first step in the economic revival of downtown.
The Trusty Diner: Although the restaurant had a soft opening in July of 2017, they will celebrate their grand opening in conjunction with the block party. This American-style restaurant has focused on a proper respect for quality ingredients and, after a year of testing a range of culinary offerings, will be in full swing with their full summer menu.
The diner has from scratch food for dining-in or take-out, homemade pickles and jerky line the shelves, as well as delectable cakes and pies. Catering and hosted dinners are offered on a precooked basis. The full menus are available at www.thetrusty diner.com and specials are advertised daily on both Instagram and Facebook.
