DOWNTOWN NEWS

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.

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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.”

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

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CAPTION: Pat Wehrle (right) dressed as Spongebob Squarepants, handed out candy near Janet McCauslin's American Family Insurance Agency near the corner of Washington and Webster Streets.

Ghosts and witches, princesses and superheros lined the streets of downtown Chillicothe yesterday (Wednesday) for the annual Boofest, the city's downtown and around town trick-or-treat event.

Around 1,500 children paraded down the sidewalks of the square and other areas in town gathering Halloween goodies. The annual event is sponsored by the Chillicothe Area Chamber and Main Street Chillicothe. “Boofest went very well,” said Crystal Narr, director of Main Street Chillicothe. “We had great weather and all of the businesses seemed to be really pleased with the amount of kids.”

There were over 70 participating businesses merchants and organizations represented in the Boofest event, handing out everything from candy bars and suckers to kettle corn and other Halloween treats. “We want to thank all the participating businesses and families for their support of Boofest,” said Charles Parrish, Boofest chairman. “Also, thanks to the Chillicothe Police Department and Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services, along with Chamber and Main Street volunteers who kept the event safe.”

As always, the Livingston County Library is one of the more popular places to trick-or-treat. Library officials report that a total of 1,278 books were given away this year during the Boofest event.

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