Community Supports Neighborhood Revitalization
Saturday’s MAINx24 festival was an outstanding success. From the Mural Unveiling to the Southside Holiday Parade, from the Hollis Gallery to the CreatedHere exhibit in the Lofts on Main, from streetside steel drums to an old-time jam session, from the CreateHere Cocktail Party to the Coptix Christmas Party 2k7, it was a day that will not be matched any time soon! Residents came out en masse, and visitors saw what the fuss is all about: there is something to believe in on Main Street.
An estimated 2000+ people visited the Southside throughout the day. With over 25 scheduled events, MAINx24 had something for everyone in the mix. More than the number of people on the streets, the diversity of the crowd hit the heart of the Southside. Curious new faces peered in buildings, and old friends lingered on the sidewalk. Main Street’s merchants and artists had a booming day; many doubled their normal business flow by mid-afternoon Saturday! Aside from the positive economic impact, MAINx24 gave the Southside neighborhoods an enthusiastic thumbs-up for their revitalization efforts. Morale is high, and momentum is only building. With new doors opening and more contracts closing in the coming months, the Southside’s revitalization is garnering respect among Chattanoogans.
It’s hard to describe Saturday’s energy without heaping adjective upon adjective, but the message is clear: change is in the air and on the street.
There's still work to do.
Do you believe in Main Street?
Sarah Lester
CreateHere
sarah@createhere.org