DOWNTOWN NEWS

Marketing Expert Visits Downtown Chillicothe
Tuesday, June 23, 2009, C-T

Rick Segel, a seasoned retailer of 25 years and author of more than 25 books, will be visiting downtown Chillicothe on Wednesday, July 1, for a personalized visit with downtown Chillicothe business owners and employees. Main Street Chillicothe, the downtown revitalization program, earned the opportunity for Segel to visit their district through becoming an accredited community for 2009, the highest level of performance awarded through the National Trust Main Street Center, according to Main Street director Crystal Narr.

Segel will spend the day touring the downtown area with an occasional drop-in to local merchants offering his expertise. Main Street Chillicothe is also hosting a lunch presentation covering the areas of “Ways to Wow with Customer Service,” building marketing success and taking one’s business to the next level.

The lunch presentation, catered by The Boji Stone, is $8 per person and will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the Strand Community Room. Reservations should be made by Friday, June 26, by calling 660-646-4071 or emailing mschilli@greenhills.net. For more information on Segel, www.ricksegel.com.

Return to Top

Public Kickoff of Branding and Marketing Campaign for Chillicothe

Several entities within the Chillicothe community are banding together for a unique experience. Livingston County, City of Chillicothe, Main Street Chillicothe, Greater Chillicothe Visitors Region, Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce and Chillicothe Development Corporation are conducting a branding and marketing plan over the course of the next few months. But what exactly is a branding and marketing plan?

Essentially, branding is the process of capturing the essence of a product —in this case, the community of Chillicothe— and promoting it in a compelling way. The eventual brand for the Chillicothe community will be promoted —or marketed— to both an internal and external market. The internal market represents anyone who calls Chillicothe home, while the external market consists of anyone we desire to recruit for tourism, investment, as residents, as merchants, or any other purpose.

We cordially invite the public to a Public Input Session on the evening of Monday, June 1st at 6:00pm in the Strand Apartment Building Community Room. There is no better way to learn about the community than through the people who comprise it. Leading the branding and marketing planning process will be Ben Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow Associates. This planning and graphic design professional has developed branding and marketing plans for hundreds of communities all across America.

Come and be inspired as to how we might tell Chillicothe’s story in a compelling way by giving your input into the process of developing Chillicothe’s unique brand. For more information, please call 660-646-4071.

Downtown Beautification

CAPTION: THREADS Thrift Store, at 512 Washington Street (just south of Chillicothe Commerce Center), is getting a new look with the addition of a 40-foot awning. Workers from Kansas City Tent and Awning were at the site today preparing to install the awning on the historic downtown building. C-T Photo/07-23-09

CAPTION: Hugh Musselman (right) Chillicothe street superintendent, supervises a few of his employees as they place flower pots in front of businesses in the 500 block of Washington Street Wednesday morning. The flower pots are provided by Main Street Chillicothe and filled with flowers by Beth Weidner, owner of Weeds Greenhouse. Main Street Chillicothe officials say more flower pots and flowers are available. Business owners interested in purchasing a pot or more information may call Main Street Chillicothe at 646-4071. C-T Photo/Laura Schuler/ 05-20-09 C-T

Return to Top

Silver Moon Plaza
Constitution-Tribune
Monday, November 30, 2009

Four large concrete bollards now stand on the south side of Silver Moon Plaza, serving as both an architectural element and a security feature.

C-T Photo

According to Main Street Chillicothe Director Crystal Narr, the bollards are designed to protect pedestrians from vehicles straying off the roadway. The bollards are also part of the plaza's naming opportunities, Narr said. She explained that people may purchase the opportunity to name a bollard and a plaque will be erected on top of the bollard in their honor.

Fountains Are On
Constitution-Tribune, Thursday, October 1, 2009

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

The newly-installed fountains at the Silver Moon Plaza are now operational. According to Main Street Chillicothe Director Crystal Narr, a little landscaping in the way of five new oak trees on the site’s north end, and some shrub planting, remains to be done. Narr also noted that bricks (shown above at left) will also be installed around the columns around the grand entry way. The engraved pavers that people have purchased will also be put in place within the next few weeks. The project, which is still about $90,000 short of funds to be completely funded, is slated to be finished and utilized by Boo-Fest.

Silver Moon Plaza Progressing
Tuesday, Sept. 01, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: Workers build the fountain system in the Silver Moon Plaza on Webster Street in downtown Chillicothe. Although the plaza will not be completed before the Tour of Missouri, Main Street Chillicothe officials say the project will be done by the end of September. So far, according to Crystal Narr, Main Street Chillicothe director, $330,000 has been donated to the project from local and area foundations and trusts. Persons have also taken advantage of the naming opportunities available in the plaza and have purchased brick pavers over the summer, which have added to the tally. Narr said the project is still just under $100,000 short. Work on the project started in mid-July and Narr said that after work on the fountains is done, a portion of the restored and cleaned prison fencing that the city donated to the plaza from the old Chillicothe Correctional Center, will be installed, as well as a 14-foot tall main entry gate.

C-T Photo / Laura Schuler

Downtown Plaza Planned
Published: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: An open air, multi-use space boasting a performance area is slated to grace downtown Chillicothe later this year, across the street on the north side of the Livingston County Courthouse. This area is where three historic buildings were razed in 2007 because of structural deficiencies. Silver Moon Plaza, a project of Main Street Chillicothe, will include murals, custom fountains, an elegant entryway and greenspace. Its name comes from a product sold by Milbank Mills, one of Chillicothe's oldest businesses.

Submitted Illustration

Two years ago, three historic downtown buildings were razed because of structural deficiencies. This fall, a beautiful open-air multi-purpose space is expected to fill this barren land. The project is the brainchild, or dream, if you will, of Main Street Chillicothe. Through the help of the DREAM Initiative, the bare bones plans that were developed through the Main Street Chillicothe design committee and board of directors came to life on paper. “The plan began through discussion of what we would like to see in our downtown area,” said Main Street Director Crystal Narr.

Ideas were tossed about but one truly seemed to be the right fit, Narr recalled. It was an open air, multi-use space boasting a performance area. It was from this point that the plan grew to encompass two murals, custom fountains, an elegant entryway, and lavish greenspace.

This area is located across the street on the north side of the courthouse square. Chillicothe City Council members on Monday night approved an agreement for Main Street to use five of the parking spaces for plaza development. “Historical buildings are not easy to replace,” Narr said in making her presentation to the council. “We wanted to make the most of the space we had.”

The project is hoped to be completed by early September in time for the Tour of Missouri event. The square around the courthouse used to take on this type of park setting, with lots of green space, fountains, trees and park benches for small performances on the lawn, said Brent Kline, a downtown business owner. “I believe this plaza will bring back much of this historic downtown feel,” he said.

Opportunity for Public to Donate
Friday, June 26, 2009, C-T

Silver Moon Plaza, the outdoor multi-use space project in downtown Chillicothe, is starting to take shape and its construction is becoming a community endeavor. Main Street Chillicothe, the non-profit downtown revitalization program and owners of the development, is offering members of the public “to leave their legacy” in the downtown area, according to Main Street Chillicothe Director Crystal Narr.

“Many community members have shown interest in this near $500,000 development that will become an area to be rivaled with a performance area, greenspace, murals and water fountains. There are many naming opportunities available to the public for monetary donations ranging from $250 to $2,500 which include trees, benches, planters, and sections of the historic fencing to be restored and reused from the prior Women’s Correctional Facility. Additionally, the most visual community impact will be through the buy-a-brick program which allows an individual, family, organization or business to purchase a brick paver that will be placed for all who visit Silver Moon Plaza to view. Bricks are available for $100 and $50 and will be custom engraved with the purchaser’s message of choice.

The deadline for the buy-a-brick program is July 3, 2009. Contact the Main Street Chillicothe office at 660-646-4071, by email, or by stopping by 514 Washington Street in downtown Chillicothe.

Return to Top

Chillicothe Farmers Market Opens Saturday
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, C-T

Since the summer of 1986 the Chillicothe Farmers Market has traditionally operated from the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October, rain or shine, beginning at 8 a.m. This year will continue that 23-year tradition with the “ringing of the opening bell” this Saturday, May 2. And, despite the mixed bag of spring weather, Market Master Beth Weidner is expecting a nice selection for shoppers including rhubarb and asparagus, bedding plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, eggs and craft items on this opening Saturday. The selection of locally-grown produce is expected to expand as the growing season really gets under way. An added attraction this season will be monthly events coordinated with “Main Street Chillicothe” including live music, guided mural tours and outdoor grilling. “The addition of these events will only enhance the very personal and friendly market community,” Weidner said.

The Chillicothe Farmers Market offers many benefits for market shoppers and the Chillicothe area community. The Farmers Market is the perfect choice for health conscious shoppers as the freshness maintained by growing locally ensures the highest levels of available nutrients. Buying local produce also saves the energy needed for shipping. Market farmers and bakers keep up-to-date and informed about health and safety regulations and guidelines, adding another layer of confidence to our shopper's Market purchase. Finally, Farmers Market shoppers and producers build and experience a unique relationship with their food and how and where it is grown or made. These issues are making national news headlines and our local Chillicothe Farmers Market provides excellent choices in these areas for our consumers and community.

The Chillicothe Farmers Market averages 12 producers per Saturday, 25 per season and is the largest in North Central Missouri. Farmers Market is open to bonafide growers and craft persons from Livingston and the surrounding Green Hills counties. Shopper parking is available in the streets all around the square and in the courthouse's second parking lot. Locally grown or made products offered by various producers at the Chillicothe Farmers Market include all vegetables and fruits in local season, herbs, bedding plants, flowers, eggs, live animals, live fish, honey, syrups, molasses, baked items and preserves as long as the items are high quality, attractive, locally produced and consumer safe. Shoppers and new producers with questions can contact Market Master Beth Weidner at 660-622-4289 or visit with any producer on Saturdays.

Return to Top

Main Street Chillicothe Earns National Trust Main Street Accreditation
Published: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, C-T

Main Street Chillicothe has been designated an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center. Each year, the National Trust and its coordinating program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street^® programs that have built strong revitalization organizations that have demonstrated their ability to follow the Main Street methodology.

“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” says Dough Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “Rebuilding a district’s economic health and maintaining that success requires broad-based community involvement and support, in addition to establishing a solid organization with sound management that is committed to long-term success.”

The National Trust Main Street Center works in partnership with Coordinating Main Street Programs throughout the nation to identify the local programs that meet the National Trust’s 10 basic performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress, and preserving historic buildings. For more information on the National Program accreditation program, visit www.mainstreet.org/nationalprograms.

The organization’s performance was evaluated by the Missouri Main Street Connection, which is the coordinating organization for Main Street programs in Missouri.

Main Street Chillicothe Achieves Accredited Status in 2009
Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: Main Street Chillicothe held its Annual Appreciation Luncheon last Thursday. With over 50 people in attendance, Crystal Narr reviewed the 2008 program accomplishments and discussed the upcoming plans and projects for downtown Chillicothe and announced that Main Street Chillicothe has received Accreditation.

C-T Submitted Photo

Main Street Chillicothe has a lot to brag about. The Main Street™ programs in Chillicothe, Cape Girardeau, Lee’s Summit and Washington received Accreditation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center during the Annual Main Street Conference in Chicago this month. Crystal Narr, Main Street Chillicothe Director stated that, “What this means for Chillicothe is that, now that Main Street has received Accreditation we will be able to maintain our status longer and will be more successful over time than underachieving programs.”

Achieving high standards of program service and utilizing the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ to downtown revitalization, the four communities were accredited through a rigorous, on-site review process. “Accreditation by the National Main Street Center honors local programs that are fully operational. It is an achievement which must be sought each year, and something to which all programs can aspire,” said Doug Loescher, Director of the National Main Street Program.

Everyone who contributes to the local community’s accreditation achievement can be proud of the recognition. This includes the organization’s officers, directors, staff, volunteers, committees and financial supporters. Narr also said that, “Accreditation is a way of saying that we are doing the best we can possibly do and we take great pride in our new status and we have all worked very hard to achieve this.” Accredited Main Street™ programs also receive more technical support from their state coordinating programs than do the non-Accredited programs.

Receiving the Accreditation award is especially significant during a time of nationwide economic crisis. Besides their hard work, the success of these four communities is due in part to the continued support from their municipal governments which understand the value of organizations dedicated to revitalization of their historic commercial districts.

Accreditation visits and assessments were provided by the Missouri Main Street coordinating program (MMSC), a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, is a partner with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in revitalizing historic commercial districts. "Our goal is multi-purpose - serving communities' needs for job growth, preservation of historic buildings, use of the built infrastructure, preventing urban sprawl and generally improving the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits our historic downtowns in Missouri," said Gayla Roten, MMSC State Coordinator.

MMSC's budget is supported in part by donations through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which allows eligible contributors to take a 70 percent tax credit on their State of Missouri income tax. These gifts are also deductible for federal income tax purposes. For information about MMSC's educational workshops and NAP tax credits, contact Gayla Roten, State Director, 417-334-3014.

Return to Top

Main Street Receives $20,000 Through Contract with City
Monday, January 5, 2009, C-T

Chillicothe City Council members passed an ordinance last week authorizing execution of a one-year contract between the city and Main Street Chillicothe. Following the signing of this contract, the city agreed to pay a one-time fee to Main Street in the sum of $20,000 which may be used by Main Street for economic development purposes.

Under the agreement, Chillicothe Main Street will provide to the city the following services: unified management and organization for the downtown commercial area; continue to develop and update a consistent promotion and advertising program for the downtown commercial area; continue to initiate and develop volunteer design proposals for facade, signage, lighting, landscape, and the overall aesthetic look of the downtown commercial area; and continue to strengthen the existing economic assets of the downtown area while diversifying its economic base, including recruiting new businesses, marketing empty space, and strengthening the management capabilities of individual merchants.

Kris Daniel, a member of the board of directors for Main Street Chillicothe, stated as a reminder that every penny brought in by Main Street goes back into the city. Crystal Narr, Main Street director, said that state and national accreditation of Main Street was riding on support from the city. She also said that most Main Street organizations are actually formed by their cities which has created difficulty since Chillicothe’s Main Street is privately funded.

Return to Top

CAPTION: The Ducktacular auction Saturday night at the Fast Lane Entertainment Center raised about $3,000 for 20 different non-profit organizations around Chillicothe. The 29 ducks on the auction block had been featured in a “Ducks On Parade,” campaign which began several months ago and culminated with Saturday night’s event, which attracted about 120 people.

C-T photo/ Laura Schuler

The Ducktacular auction Saturday night at the Fast Lane Entertainment Center proved to be just “ducky.” The event, which attracted around 120 people, raised about $3,000 for 20 non-profit organizations around town after Col. Lonnie Sewell auctioned off 29 ducks. “For a first year event, it (the auction) exceeded our expectations,” said Amy Supple, director of the Greater Chillicothe Visitor’s Region. “It was fun, everything went smoothly and people were thrilled with ducks and interested in taking them home. We’re hoping it will be an annual event.” The event started out with a dinner and several duck-themed games and activities followed until the auction started, Supple said.

The highest selling duck, “Fore” was sponsored by Farmers’ Electric Cooperative and raised $190 for FEC’s Area Youth Benefit Fund. Francis Crouch was the duck’s artist. The next highest selling duck, “Glassical,” was sold for $140. It was decorated by Vilma Holt and was sponsored by Gary Miller. Proceeds from that sale went to the Chillicothe Area Arts Council. The third-highest selling duck, “Mother’s Pride,” sold for $130 and was decorated by Francis Crouch and sponsored by Mel Gregg. Proceeds from that duck went to Birthright.

The ducks started out as simple decoy ducks made with cork bodies and free standing wood heads used for hunting. They were carved by a class taught by T.J. Peacher, of the Missouri Department of Conservation. The ducks were then decorated in various styles, many to reflect their sponsors.

The evening capped off several months of Ducks on Parade, during which, the ducks were displayed at several community events over the past few months to heighten interest in the ducks and Saturday night’s auction. She added that calendars featuring the ducks are now on sale at the Chillicothe Commerce Center for $10. Persons interested may also call Steve Holt at the Chillicothe Small Business Development Center for more information.

The event was sponsored by Main Street Chillicothe, the Greater Chillicothe Visitor’s Region, the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Department of Conservation. To reserve your duck for next year’s Ducks on Parade call Steve Holt. The 2009 ducks will be on display beginning in April.

Return to Top

Photo by Laura Schuler

Red Hat members from over 20 surrounding communities gathered at Calvary Baptist Church for a Red Hat brunch presented by Main Street Chillicothe. The event featured an auction and magical entertainment by local magician Brandon Fuhrmann. All proceeds from the event are earmarked for Main Street Chillicothe and its continued revitalization efforts for downtown Chillicothe.

Thursday, August 21, 2008
10:00 am

Calvary Baptist Church
206 Locust St., Chillicothe, Missouri

$12.00 per Lady

Order of Festivities
10:00am - Welcome
10:00-10:45am - Brunch
10:30am - Entertainment
11:00 - Quarter Auction
Noon - Farewell

To make a donation to our auction, click here (Word document) or click here (PDF file)! Thank you!!

Return to Top

The cold temperatures of winter may be months away, but work has already started on Main Street Chillicothe’s downtown holiday lighting project.

Darin Newman, left, and Scott Neill, right, of Illuminations by Newman, strung up lights Saturday on some downtown businesses. The lighting project is expanding this year to include outlining not only the tops of the buildings as in years past, but also the vertical lines of the buildings. Main Street is also extending the project to include more buildings this year. An estimated 2,000 additional feet of lighting will be used this year.

Return to Top

About 50 people gathered in the meeting room at the Strand Hotel yesterday (Thursday) for the annual Main Street Chillicothe Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon is held every year to thank current Main Street Chillicothe members, welcome new members and provide information about the program which has been around for about 10 years in Chillicothe.

Main Street Chillicothe Director Crystal Narr explained the four elements of the program and noted that each element has a committee formed for that purpose. Narr said that each committee has the following responsibilities:

• Organization: Keeps the board, committees, staff and program in good shape by attracting people and money to the organization.
• Economic Restructuring: Identifies new market opportunities, finds new uses for historic commercial buildings and stimulates investment in property.
• Design: Shapes the physical image of downtown Chillicothe as a place attractive to shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors.
• Promotions: Promotes downtown as the center of commerce, culture and community life for residents and visitors.

Narr also highlighted the successes the program has had in 2007 including the designation of Chillicothe as a DREAM City and the first-ever Kids Christmas held in November at the Livingston County Courthouse. Narr also made note of the program's continuing successes in past years - the mural program, the facade renovation program and the flower pot program.

She also discussed some of the upcoming events planned for 2008 concerning the DREAM initiative. “Basically, we've got surveys and analysis ahead of us,” Narr explained. She said that the DREAM consultants, comprised of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Housing Commission, the Missouri Finance Board and PGAV Urban Consultants will be conducting a retail market analysis of downtown. The group will also be performing a housing market analysis of the entire city and will complete a consumer and resident survey. Narr said that in 2008, the group will also conduct an organizational analysis of the Main Street Chillicothe program and a complete Land Use Building and Infrastructure survey.

Also looking ahead to 2008, Narr told the group that there may be a development in the vacant space on Webster Street on the north side of the courthouse square.

Narr also noted that Main Street Chillicothe's annual Strum and Stroll has been moved from the fall of the year to April 26. Narr told the group that the upcoming installment will have more of an "art walk-type feel" complete with local artists and musicians participating.

Narr introduced the Main Street Chillicothe board members: Eva Danner, president; Steve Franke, vice president; Ed Milbank, secretary/treasurer; Chuck Haney, Bill Everett, Bill Young, all directors.

Return to Top

Downtown Attraction
Published: Monday, April 27, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: The 4th annual Strum and Stroll hosted by Main Street Chillicothe and the Chillicothe Area Arts Council showcased artistic and musical talent around the Livingston County courthouse square Saturday afternoon. The musical group Crossroads, comprised of members from the Chillicothe area, played during the event at the northwest corner of the square. C-T Photo / Amanda McKay

CAPTION: The day also featured a children’s mural along the north side of the square where children could pursue their creativity by coloring on a wall with markers and crayons or on the sidewalk with colored chalk. Crystal Narr, Main Street Director, said that she was pleased with the turnout and that the event could not have been possible without the help of Eric Sensenich, who coordinated the event. C-T Photo / Amanda McKay

Strum and Stroll to Offer Springtime Fun
Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, C-T

The 4th annual Chillicothe Strum and Stroll is inviting people to take to the streets of downtown Chillicothe this Saturday, April 25, for a unique and fun event. The event, sponsored by Main Street Chillicothe and the Chillicothe Area Arts Council, will take place from noon until 4 p.m. around the historic courthouse square in downtown Chillicothe with more than 20 area artists displaying their work in areas from traditional watercolor and acrylic paintings to photography and woodcarving. Some artists will have their pieces available for sale.

Additionally, Strum and Stroll will feature eight live musical performances at various outdoor locations throughout the event. The musical stylings are eclectic acoustic and feature bluegrass, gospel and contemporary, according to Main Street Director Crystal Narr.

Artists, Musicians Display Talent at Strum and Stroll
Published: Monday, April 28, 2008, C-T

CAPTION - The sidewalks of downtown Chillicothe were filled with people Saturday for the 3rd annual Strum and Stroll in Downtown Chillicothe. A crowd gathers west of the courthouse to hear Robert Clark and Friends Bluegrass Band, one of several groups performing on Saturday. Event sponsors anticipate scheduling Strum and Stroll in the spring on a permanent basis.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

A broad array of fine arts were on display Saturday at the 3rd annual Strum and Stroll in Downtown Chillicothe sponsored by Main Street Chillicothe and the Chillicothe Area Arts Council. The event had a renovated format from the past two years when it was held in the fall and provided more of an art walk as artists displayed their work all around the historic courthouse square. Artwork displayed included paintings, sketches, photography, woodworking and much more. Adding to the atmosphere were musical performers at each corner of the square.

“I thought it went over amazingly well,” said Main Street Director Crystal Narr. “We had a good crowd, good weather and the artists and musicians thought it was a great day.” Strum and Stroll was introduced three years ago as a way to bring more activity to the downtown area. Through this year's event, each artist was paired up with a downtown storefront which they used as a venue to display their art. Artists also had the option to sell their art pieces.

Adding interest to the day was the Missouri Spin In, which involved more that a dozen spinning wheels in the courthouse with operators spinning all types of fibers into yarn. Another big attraction during the event was a 50-foot children's mural on the north side of the courthouse. The mural, and even the sidewalk in front of the mural, gave young artists an opportunity to create and display work all their own.

Narr said the event sponsors anticipate keeping the annual Strum and Stroll in the spring. "I think it helps break cabin fever and gives people a reason to get out of the house." she said.

Chillicothe's downtown square will come alive this Saturday with art, food, fun and children's activities during the new and improved Strum and Stroll which will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Helping set the scene for the frivolity will be a variety of musical stylings spreading out to all four corners of the downtown square, according to Main Street Chillicothe Director Crystal Narr. “The musical acts for Strum and Stroll are mostly of the homegrown variety and will provide eclectic sounds for your strolling pleasure,” she said.

The all acoustic music will take place in two sets; from 10 a.m. until noon and from noon until 2 p.m. The musicians will be spread out on various corners of the downtown square. Headliners for Saturday include: The Gorsetts playing bluegrass, country and contemporary; Crossroads and their bluegrass stylings; Gospel Singer Ginger Henley; the Grand River Harmony Chorus; Montana Vinson and Mollie Marcolla and their contemporary blend and Robert Clark and Friends who have been playing bluegrass together for over 40 years.

In addition to a children's area, live music and food vendors, the focus of Strum and Stroll is the art. The artwalk will fill the sidewalks of the downtown square. “It's amazing the number of local artists and the level of talent that we have in our own backyard,” said Narr. Over 30 area artists will be displaying painting, photography, porcelain, sketching, woodcarving and sculpture. Some items will be available for purchase. Several large art groups will be on display including the Trenton Art Guild and Frances Crouch's Grand River Technical School's art class and the Southwest R-I school art classes.

The 3rd annual Strum and Stroll in Downtown Chillicothe is sponsored by Main Street Chillicothe and The Chillicothe Area Arts Council.

CAPTION - Preparations were being made Friday for Saturday's Strum and Stroll in downtown Chillicothe. One activity offered for children only is a kid's mural which was being erected along Webster Street just north of the courthouse by Josh Copeland and Mike Goll of Copeland Development and Construction Company of Chillicothe.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

Wheels, wheels and still more wheels. No, it's not a car show or a Harley convention. It's the 2008 edition of the All Missouri Spin In this Saturday, April 26, on the grounds of the historic Livingston County courthouse. The spin-in is part of Chillicothe's Strum and Stroll and will be taking place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. While yarn will be spun the old-fashioned way, what visitors will see will be far from old fashioned, according to local spinner Zelma Cleaveland.

Knitting is “hot” these days. And, there's nothing that sets a knitter's heart fluttering like beautiful, unique, handspun yarns. Exotic fibers will be drafted by skilled spinners then travel on through the wheel's orifice and onto the bobbin on its way to becoming fluffy, bulky, textured, or very soft yarns. Years ago, people were spinning sheep's wool, cotton and some linen. But now, spinners have expanded and are using new silks - not from silkworms, but from soy, corn or maybe, bamboo. Those people who thought llama and alpaca fibers were exotic, better think again. Bison, quiviut and yak appear on the scene. Some of these spinners even spin hair from their cats and dogs.

Hans spun yarns know no boundaries and provide knitters, crocheters and weavers with wonderful beginnings for further creative output and they are shaped into shawls, sweaters, wall hangings and many more items, Cleaveland said. Additionally, these spinners will be happy to talk about their wheels, the fiber or even the animals they raise. Visitors are invited to even step up and take one of the drop spindles for a spin. Vendors will also be on site Saturday.

The All Missouri Spin In, hosted this year by the Fiber Gals, is pleased to return to the downtown square in conjunction with Main Street's Strum and Stroll event where fine fiber meets fine art, fine music and fine food, Cleaveland said.

CAPTION - Chillicothe Area Arts Council President Margaret Vance prepares a mural to be decorated by children attending Strum and Stroll this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The 50-foot mural will be displayed on Webster Street as part of the children's area of Strum and Stroll. Several other activities will be available for children.

Submitted Photo, C-T

Art is fun! And nobody knows that better than children which is why there will be an entire area dedicated to young artists at this Saturday's Strum and Stroll in downtown Chillicothe. Chillicothe is becoming known for its murals so it is fitting that the showcase of the Children's Area at Strum and Stroll will be a 50-foot mural completed by children, according to Main Street Director Crystal Narr. The mural will be displayed on Webster Street and staffed by volunteers to assist any young artists wishing to help with the mural. The mural was designed by Arts Council President Margaret Vance.

In addition to the mural, young artists can work in another medium: sidewalk chalk. The Webster Street walkway will be a giant cement canvas waiting to be decorated. Also, visitors can capture a timeless treasure of their child with a caricature by Chillicothe artist Jamie Stark. Visit the booth of 9 year-old Danielle Midgyett, and experience her paintings. Children and adults, alike, will be amazed by copper wire butterflies and scorpions at local artisan Chris Frizell's booth, Narr said. Narr expressed a special thanks to Children's Area sponsors Copeland Development & Construction for constructing the mural frame and to Chillicothe Hy-Vee Food Store and Dollar General for donating the art supplies for the children to use.

"The forecast for Saturday looks great so don't miss the 3rd Annual Strum and Stroll in Downtown Chillicothe," Narr said. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is sponsored by Main Street Chillicothe and The Chillicothe Area Arts Council. For more information, call 660-646-4071.

Main Street Looking for Artists for Strum and Stroll
Published: Thursday, February 14, 2008, C-T

Main Street Chillicothe and the Chillicothe Area Arts Council are preparing for the 3rd Annual Strum & Stroll event in Downtown Chillicothe. “This year, Strum & Stroll is undergoing an extreme renovation in style and placement. In years past, this event has showcased local bands and only a handful of artists,” said Crystal Narr, Main Street Chillicothe director. “Strum & Stroll 2008 is going to embody the talented individuals within our region.”

Strum & Stroll 2008 will have more of an art walk, eclectic feel. “We would like for local artists to showcase their talent,” Narr said. “If this means dusting off old portfolios or creations, then we want you to do just that.” She added that Chillicothe, and the surrounding area, is full of creative artisans and this event is meant to put that talent on display. “Whether the artistic medium be charcoal, pencil, paint, oils, clay, ceramics, metals, photography or other - we want it.”

Return to Top

Kids' Christmas 2007
Date, C-T Photo by ...

Coming soon... 

Click photo for a closer view...

Return to Top