See You on the Square
As the year 2007 comes to a close I can’t help but reflect back on the many activities that took place on our beloved Square. The great success of the Market Festival paved the way for so many things and for special recognition by the state of Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs as the poster child of what a small town can do to fuel economic development for its community.
Our local vendors saw a record year that brought more and more visitors to the Square on Saturday mornings. It truly has become the gathering place for the citizens of Monticello as well as the accidental tourists who marvel at the camaraderie that reveals itself in the joyous laughter and lighthearted banter shared among us all.
There were two weddings on our Square in 2007! A first and just how cool is that? One young man wanted to have his bride remember her hometown in a special way as he prepared to ship off to war and another local hometown girl planned a beautiful wedding celebration that will carry happy memories for a long time as part of her legacy.
Our usual events—Flag Day, Catfish, Cars ‘n Blues, The Deer Fest, the Fall Festival, the Hot Air Balloon & Jazz Fest, the Methodist Men’s BBQs, the New Year’s Photo, the Mutt Show, and the myriad of local entertainers, helped us all appreciate and know just how wonderful and special it is to enjoy these type of community events in our own backyard, have a great time and not have to travel for long distances to do so.
We had our share of controversies, triumphs, trials and tribulations. We welcomed new businesses on the Square, we lost some as well but overall I think we are a better community for having endured the journey. More and more visitors are commenting on how great our Square looks compared to what they remember from several years ago.
Thank you Monticello for the part you played in getting us to this point.
This New Year is to be a year of monthly celebrations. As we launch the beginning of programs celebrating our Bicentennial, look for activities to increase not only on the Square but around town as well. I look forward to having mass participation in these endeavors. We will, after all, be celebrating the 200th birthday of our city.
This is a call to arms for everyone to contribute to the Bicentennial. I need your help. Businesses, schools, churches, organizations, groups and you the individual can all play a part by planning a Bicentennial event that the Better Hometown Program will promote and support.
Our First Bicentennial program will be presented by the Monticello Garden Club on the Fourth Tuesday in January.
They will recreate their first meeting, dress in period clothing, and offer a glimpse into what the ladies of 1836 were thinking when they formed what is now the second oldest Garden Club in the nation.
This will take place at the Visitors’ Center on the Square and the public is invited to come and dress in period clothing as well.
The Jasper County Historical Foundation is planning a February event, the Women’s Club is committed, The Monticello News, and so is the Chamber so far. Let’s all get involved as we plan to celebrate this auspicious occasion on December 11, 2008.
Have a Blessed Holiday Season and I look forward to seeing you on the Square in 2008.
