Main Street is bustling with activity this morning. From volunteer community street clean up, to last minute shop-front decorating, individuals and retailers alike are scurrying around like Santa’s elves, adding final details to the neighborhood that tomorrow hosts an expected 10,000 people of all ages. It’s all for Mainx24, an annual celebration showcasing everything the Southside has to offer.
Niedlov’s Breadworks is one of Main Street’s most popular gems, and the bakers are knee deep in dough as they prepare three times the amount of cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins and breads than usual. They’ll be open all day, with a special musical performance from Rick Davis at noon.
OCI is abuzz as they construct what Tripp Goodman calls the "Loading Dock of Rock.” The atmosphere there is one of expectation as a monster banner is raised and extra Christmas decor is added to the building, inside and out. OCI hosts a Chili Cook-off, in addition to musical acts throughout the day.
The Well is being constructed at Contrapasso, part of a three-piece art installation that asks viewers to think about the roll of community, globally and locally.
At CreateHere, fellows are preparing for “1st Down and 24: A Mainx24 Football Watching Party,” by collecting blue and crimson beads, streamers, and megaphones. Representatives from EPB will come in to the studio-turned-football-den today to set-up a state-of-the-art FiTV connection, offering visitors a high-definition viewing experience for the SEC championship game.
The Southside Parade is one of the hallmarks of Mainx24, and organizer Roger Halligan is writing his list and checking it twice: as of today, 25 floats and groups have signed up to march across the Southside. One float is even under construction just across the street from his house!
Volunteers are stopping by Battle Academy all day to deliver homemade pies and cakes for an open house and post-parade party.
Tiffanie Campbell and the Quiddity Team has been working non-stop for the past week at Hill’s Floral to prepare for the Main Event. They’ve rewired the space, and set-up lighting and sound for the big act: internationally acclaimed Mix Master Mike.
Plan to attend the event that boasts 63 different individual events and you’ll see local performance talent strutting their stuff on the street in the busking competition, a few fasionistas for the ChooChoo fashion show, and lots of local bites—including a Link 41 sausage cart. Bring your family and friends, even you four-legged companions for the biggest Mainx24 yet.
Questions? Call organizers Ken Hays at 423 987-6929 or David Hudson 423 432-6478. Visit http://mainx24.com for a complete schedule of events.