Glasgow Downtown Business the focus: Next event planned for Thursday August 15

 

Sherry Williams
Volunteer Member GDBA

The Glasgow Downtown Business Association was honored to host Sip, Shop and Stroll last Thursday, July 27th. It was a pleasure to see families arrive pushing strollers and holding onto the hands of little ones anxiously pulling mom and dad to the bouncy house and the face-painting station. A slew of pirates (Far off Broadway Players from the upcoming children’s play at the Plaza called “How I Became a Pirate”) walked around the kid’s zone entertaining everyone with their pirate talk and shoulder parrots. Kids donned fireman hats and climbed on “Granny” the firetruck before running over to the 911 emergency communication center tent to grab a handful of candy. Adults and children alike watched anxiously as the Glasgow and Temple Hill fire departments set up and filled the crowd favorite – The Dunk Tank.

Vintage vehicles lined the street in front of the Plaza with their proud owners sitting nearby to answer questions or tell stories of how they obtained their “Pride & Joy”. Not far away a few brave souls stepped up to sing Karaoke from atop a large, quilt covered bed. There was no shortage of musical entertainment as The Puddin’ Heads entertained the crowd from atop an old tobacco wagon and The Unpredictables performed at Yancey’s.

Folks that enjoy shopping were treated to a host of opportunities. Merchants around the square opened their doors past normal hours and over 20 booths were set up offering a variety of wares including clothing (some handmade), jewelry, skin care products, olive oils and fresh produce from local farms. The artesian booths showcased multi-talented artists working in various mediums including woodwork, welding/metal work, dried flowers and barn wood. Other booths offered information or advertised their local businesses. My personal favorite was the Glasgow Preschool Academy who handed out free books to children.

Unfortunately, threatening skies and a freak burst of wind sent many folks scurrying for their cars. Vendors reluctantly were forced to close up shop and vintage car owners scrambled to roll up windows and put the tops up on convertibles. You might think that it was a sad end to what was turning out to be a fun-filled night in downtown Glasgow, but you would be only partially correct. Many individuals and families simply moved into the restaurants around the square and continued their night of merriment.

As this was the first event hosted by the Glasgow Downtown Business Association, we were anxious to hear the feedback from those who attended. Any group that has hosted something on the square can appreciate the hard work, commitment and monetary investment that bring a large scale event to life. Thankfully, reviews have been glowing and everyone wants to know when we will do it again.  The date has been chosen for Thursday August 15…

There are many “Thank Yous” to be offered up. Thank you to the City of Glasgow for allowing us to host the event on the square and for providing safety, security, trash management and restrooms for our guests. Thank you to the Glasgow and Temple Hill Fire Departments and to the ladies at 911. Thank you to all the vendors, businesses, car enthusiasts, and musicians that set up, opened doors, cruised-in and entertained. Thank you to Judge John Alexander, Jeff Sharp and Jeff Jobe for acting as targets in the dunking booth (and to Helena Birdwell and Matt Stevens who were in the lineup but were scratched because of weather). Thank you to all the volunteers (including Far Off Broadway Players, Plaza crew, business and restaurant staff)  that showed up to assist in setting up, working booths, directing cars, serving meals, etc. Thank you to all members of the Glasgow Downtown Business Association for the team effort in pulling this event together (and for all the new friendships). And the biggest thank you goes to the citizens of Glasgow, Barren County and the surrounding communities. We very much appreciate your attendance and support.