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Inaugural downtown concert was a big hit
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HUNDREDS OF FOLKS came downtown Friday night for the first-ever “Sweet Summer Concert” featuring the Grapevine Band of Macon. Officials are already making plans for more events to be held downtown.
Those who attended Friday night’s “Sweet Summer Concert” hosted by Cairo Main Street and the Downtown Development Authority are giving the event high marks and officials are already making plans for future events to be held downtown.
“We had a fabulous time at the Sweet Summer Concert in downtown Cairo this past Friday night! Of course, there were a few things that probably could have gone smoother, but for our first event, I thought everything went surprisingly well,” Cairo Main Street Director Celeste Tyler said Monday.
She added, “The weather certainly cooperated and it was great seeing people of all ages in attendance, mingling with each other.”
Hundreds of folks came downtown Friday evening to enjoy the free concert and also to take part in the first-ever “sip and stroll” event, which under the city’s newly revised alcohol ordinance permits alcoholic beverages to be served in designated entertainment districts including the central business district.
Miss Myrts’ Debbi Miller, who also serves on the DDA/Main Street program boards, gave the evening a thumbs up. “I walked the street several times to get comments from people and heard absolutely nothing but great things. We had people from Thomasville, Havana, Tallahassee and other places,” Miller said.
Most brought lawn chairs and made themselves comfortable to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. A good many others also enjoyed dancing to the tunes of the popular Grapevine Band.
“As it turns out, multiple members of The Grapevine Band have some connection to Cairo. We certainly enjoyed them, and they truly appreciated our southern hospitality,” the Main Street director said.
There was a consistent line to purchase cold beverages from a beverage tent operated by City Grill on Friday night. A number of other vendors were also set up downtown. According to Tyler, downtown merchants also expressed appreciation for the economic boost during the typically slow summer season.
“The most asked question has been ‘when are we going to do this again?’ Our committee is having a wrap-up meeting this week to discuss the successes and challenges, as well as the plans for our next event,” Tyler said.
Cairo Mayor Booker Gainor and City Manager Chris Addleton were equally complimentary of Friday night’s event.
“Friday night was nothing short of spectacular. I enjoyed a stellar performance from the Grapevine Band of Macon and fellowship of the citizens who came out to the concert. Job well done to Cairo Main Street, Downtown Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and Joint Development Authority for putting the event together,” Mayor Gainor said.
The mayor also commented, “The key takeaway for me was the exposure and support the merchants downtown received during the concert. I am looking forward to people consistently supporting our downtown merchants and I’m looking forward for another ‘Sweet Summer Concert.’”
“It was an excellent event. I think everyone had a good time. It was a great band and we had good weather,” said Cairo City Manager Chris Addleton, who also said he is looking forward to the next downtown event.
The festivities began at 7 p.m. and concluded shortly after 10 p.m.
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