Pickin' On The Square Kicks Off!!!
May 29, 2008 - 10:04:48 CDT
The weekly Pickin' on the Square program, presented by Barrett Jensen, begins this weekend with the Kick-Off Celebration on Friday evening at 6:00 pm on the Court House Square. The highly anticipated and much talked about landmark event will be the first step for a project that could help rejuvenate the downtown economy and bring much-needed tourism revenues to Fredericktown. As with many small communities, there is not an abundance of good, positive family entertainment available to choose from on a weekend night. Many of the downtown areas sit relatively idle, with empty storefronts dotting the main streets, as well.
An idea was passed around, some time back, of beginning a tradition of music on our newly renovated Court Square. From that, with the outpouring of help from local citizens and local businesses, the Pickin' on the Square project was born. The roots of the program lie in it's simplicity. It's a place where musicians of all levels can come together and play their music in a friendly, open atmosphere. The true beauty of an event like this is the fact that musicians from beginner to expert can sit in a circle and share their music. It is imperative that we foster an open and inviting atmosphere to all the musicians that come to join our gatherings. Through that, we encourage those beginners to learn and become more confident and, in turn, to continue to be a part of our tradition. In essence, we insure the "passing of the torch."
Everyone is invited to come out to the square on Friday and bring an instrument, if you have one. If not, borrow one! Or if you simply like to hear the wonderful sound of acoustic music performed then bring a lawn chair and spend the evening listening to the many groups. The square area will be blocked off immediately prior to and during the event, but parking will be available along the main streets and in the lots located next to City Hall, along the main streets up to the square, behind Cowboy Coffee and the law firm, and also down the hill towards the Wanda Priest/Azalea Park.
The celebration will begin with the official dedication of our newly renovated Court Square by the Mayor and City Council. Immediately following will be a short performance by The Punches Family, a nationally acclaimed area bluegrass band. The band won the Silver Dollar City Youth Band Contest in 2007. In addition, Bruce Punches has been voted Entertainer of the Year two times by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). The rest of the evening will be filled with the many informal groups of musicians that gather to enjoy their music together.
The success of the project and its impact to our community truly depends on all of us. Many of the local businesses have stepped up to the plate and put together several thousands of dollars in sponsorship to fund the significant cost of advertising this new event. They have done their part by taking the financial steps to help insure its success. Now it is up to the community and its members to make sure we rally support for the program and support our local merchants and businesses. A surge or spark to the downtown economy can benefit each and every one of us through the revenue that it generates throughout our community. Take a look at the new cars at Barrett Jensen, stop in to browse at the local merchants, grab a bite to eat or a soda and some pie at our local restaurants. If we can fill the square with musicians and listeners then we have created a desirable place for others to travel to and our project will be a success. Become a champion of our local cause, for this is truly OUR event! Gather your friends and family and make sure that all are able to attend the inaugural Pickin' on the Square this Friday evening.
The Pickin on the Square will take place whether rain or shine. Several local restaurants have opened their doors to allow some musicians to come inside and play while the storm passes. In addition, the pavilions and covered areas at the Azalea/Wanda Priest Park can be utilized so the show can go on.
Please visit www.PickinOnTheSquare.com for more information.
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Pulitzer Missouri Newspapers. All rights reserved.
http://www.dailyjournalonline.com/articles/2008/06/02/fredericktown/doc483ec4fba5351587593368.txt
An idea was passed around, some time back, of beginning a tradition of music on our newly renovated Court Square. From that, with the outpouring of help from local citizens and local businesses, the Pickin' on the Square project was born. The roots of the program lie in it's simplicity. It's a place where musicians of all levels can come together and play their music in a friendly, open atmosphere. The true beauty of an event like this is the fact that musicians from beginner to expert can sit in a circle and share their music. It is imperative that we foster an open and inviting atmosphere to all the musicians that come to join our gatherings. Through that, we encourage those beginners to learn and become more confident and, in turn, to continue to be a part of our tradition. In essence, we insure the "passing of the torch."
Everyone is invited to come out to the square on Friday and bring an instrument, if you have one. If not, borrow one! Or if you simply like to hear the wonderful sound of acoustic music performed then bring a lawn chair and spend the evening listening to the many groups. The square area will be blocked off immediately prior to and during the event, but parking will be available along the main streets and in the lots located next to City Hall, along the main streets up to the square, behind Cowboy Coffee and the law firm, and also down the hill towards the Wanda Priest/Azalea Park.
The celebration will begin with the official dedication of our newly renovated Court Square by the Mayor and City Council. Immediately following will be a short performance by The Punches Family, a nationally acclaimed area bluegrass band. The band won the Silver Dollar City Youth Band Contest in 2007. In addition, Bruce Punches has been voted Entertainer of the Year two times by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). The rest of the evening will be filled with the many informal groups of musicians that gather to enjoy their music together.
The success of the project and its impact to our community truly depends on all of us. Many of the local businesses have stepped up to the plate and put together several thousands of dollars in sponsorship to fund the significant cost of advertising this new event. They have done their part by taking the financial steps to help insure its success. Now it is up to the community and its members to make sure we rally support for the program and support our local merchants and businesses. A surge or spark to the downtown economy can benefit each and every one of us through the revenue that it generates throughout our community. Take a look at the new cars at Barrett Jensen, stop in to browse at the local merchants, grab a bite to eat or a soda and some pie at our local restaurants. If we can fill the square with musicians and listeners then we have created a desirable place for others to travel to and our project will be a success. Become a champion of our local cause, for this is truly OUR event! Gather your friends and family and make sure that all are able to attend the inaugural Pickin' on the Square this Friday evening.
The Pickin on the Square will take place whether rain or shine. Several local restaurants have opened their doors to allow some musicians to come inside and play while the storm passes. In addition, the pavilions and covered areas at the Azalea/Wanda Priest Park can be utilized so the show can go on.
Please visit www.PickinOnTheSquare.com for more information.