Summer on Main a hit

Summer on Main Street was a resounding success. The usually empty streets of Saturday afternoon were filled with people, vehicles and the sound of music. People enjoyed eating offerings of the various vendors, from hamburgers to homemade ice cream.

Vendors said they could not believe the turnout when this was the city’s first downtown festival. Greg Lipham of Main Street Coffee Shop kept busy most of the day making smoothies.

Randolph County Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event, and volunteers kept tabs on everything. Chamber executive director Dorothy Tidwell made constant rounds to make sure everything was running smoothly.

Many of the downtown businesses stayed open most of the day, allowing shoppers to see what they carry. Most said they were making sales.

The public was obviously intrigued by Kesa Johnston’s building in progress. She allowed Suzanne Kniffen to set up her plants, herbs and soaps in front of and inside the building. Johnston, a local attorney, is not yet saying what kind of business the building will eventually house.

Showing entrepreneurship, Freddie and Tommy Hill had set up tables and seating in front of the Fitness Vine and sold sandwiches, fruit cups, drinks, water and other snacks. She was quick to show people through her business if they showed interest.

The cool morning turned into a hot day, and people went home and came back later. Some used umbrellas for shade. Some visitors said they came from out of town for the festival.

Even the inmates at the Roanoke Justice Center, who were allowed into the exercise area, seemed to enjoy the music.

“It was a lot of work but I think next time around it will not be that much work. People who didn’t come really missed it,” Tidwell said. The last musical act, the Tim Dugger Band, played until 8:30 p.m. and she said the crowd just kept getting bigger and bigger. When all the entertainment ended she said she saw people still talking and visiting at the tables in front of The Fitness Vine.

She thanks Wellborn Cabinet Inc. for use of the portable stage, and Grandaddy’s Music. “We could not have done this without Grandaddy’s Music. He (Jerry Mitchell) did the emcee duties and provided the sound system and he didn’t charge us a single cent.”

She thanks all who participated and all who attended. “All I heard was ‘let’s do this next year,'” she said.

Police department reserves volunteered to direct traffic during the day. Bill Ford filled the dunking tank for the Jug Club members. EMA director Donnie Knight brought in big lights so people could see to walk after dark. Wyner Phillips staffed the museum. Animal shelter volunteers staffed the warehouse. Living Springs Lifestyle Center was busy all day doing health screenings. Frank Fetner supervised community service workers who assisted Streets Department personnel in cleaning up before and after the event.

Terry Kennedy provided power to the vendors and allowed use of his parking lot. First Baptist Church also provided power to vendors and allowed them to use church property. First United Methodist Church allowed use of their parking. The antique tractor and car group had vehicles on display.

There has been a doll festival but to her knowledge there has never been a festival downtown like this, Tidwell said.