Middlesboro Wins $25K Grant to Present Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series

Contact: Vanessa Silberman

Senior Director of Communications

& Strategic Initiatives

213.201.6106

vanessa@levittpavilions.org

For Immediate Release

Middlesboro Wins Grant to Present Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series
$25K in matching funds will bring free outdoor concerts
to Pop-Up Park on Cumberland Avenue

December 15, 2014 —Today, Levitt Pavilions named Middlesboro as one of 10 small to mid-sized cities across America to win a Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award of $25K in matching funds to present a free concert series at a pop-up park on Cumberland Avenue, currently a vacant gravel lot. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, Levitt opened the selection process to the public to choose the Top 20 Finalists.

In July, Levitt Pavilions—the national nonprofit behind the largest free concert series in America—invited nonprofits, and municipalities partnering with a nonprofit, to submit project proposals that would reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP awards: Amplify community pride and the city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of vibrant public Places. Discover Downtown Middlesboro partnered with Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College to submit their Levitt AMP proposal.

 Before and after photos of the proposed concert venue on Cumberland Ave. Credit: DDM.

The public voted on the proposals over a four-week period in November, selecting their favorite projects online at http://amp.levittpavilions.org.

"We are thrilled to announce the Levitt AMP Grant Awards winners. Each made a compelling case for how the Levitt AMP Music Series will activate a public space and strengthen the social and economic fibers of their communities," says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilions. "The Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series will transform a vacant gravel lot into a vibrant destination, bringing the community together and building upon downtown revitalization efforts." 

We invite you to make Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series a success. Whether you are an audience member who wants updates on the series, or a potential volunteer, sponsor, or performing group, all you need to do is fill out this form (http://goo.gl/forms/zYOpBGihpp)!

The 10 winners hail from historic small towns like Cleveland, MS; Middlesboro, KY; Sheboygan, WI; and Denison, TX; to mid-sized cities spanning the country in Anchorage, AK; Trenton, NJ; Bellingham, WA; Charlottesville, VA; Lafayette, LA; and Frederick, MD. Each winner will present 10 free concerts featuring a diverse lineup of high caliber entertainment in 2015 as part of the Levitt AMP Music Series, for a total of 100 Levitt AMP concerts.

Below is the full list of Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards winners (in alphabetical order):

Anchorage, AK

ADP (Anchorage Downtown Partnership) Community Services will present the Levitt AMP [Anchorage] Music Series to infuse energy into Town Square Park, bringing momentum to the city’s revitalization efforts and enriching residents’ lives.

Bellingham, WA

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership will present the Levitt AMP [Bellingham] Music Series in two locations—at the underused Maritime Heritage Park and on Bay Street, expanding upon their efforts to use the arts to revitalize and improve their downtown.

Charlottesville, VA

WTJU radio station will enliven IX Art Park, the recently launched public art park in the heart of Charlottesville's Strategic Investment District near UVA, bringing together the city’s diverse populations and enriching community life through the Levitt AMP [Charlottesville] Music Series.

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University Foundation will present the Levitt AMP [Cleveland] Music Series to invigorate the underutilized Green Space on the Crosstie Walking Trail at College Street, honoring the Delta’s rich musical legacy in conjunction with the historic launch of the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.

Denison, TX

Denison Main Street Inc. will strengthen its city’s social and economic vitality by expanding the much loved Music on Main concert series in Heritage Park, a centrally located series that celebrates inclusivity, engagement and accessibility through music, to become the Levitt AMP [Denison] Music Series.

Frederick, MD

The Downtown Frederick Partnership will present the Levitt AMP [Frederick] Music Series to activate the underused Carroll Creek Park Amphitheater and celebrate local culture, providing residents with a place to gather and enjoy a diverse mix of talented emerging artists.

Lafayette, LA

The Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority will bring new life to The Park at the Horse Farm with the Levitt AMP [Lafayette] Music Series, reinvigorating this beloved undeveloped piece of Cajun Country recently saved from commercial development by a community-wide effort.

Middlesboro, KY

Discover Downtown Middlesboro will transform a centrally located vacant gravel lot on Cumberland Avenue into a gathering space, using the Levitt AMP [Middlesboro] Music Series to bring residents together and augment the city’s community-driven revitalization of downtown.

Sheboygan, WI

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center will bring life to a new public space on the site of a former Boston Store, using the Levitt AMP [Sheboygan] Music Series to bring diverse audiences together and create a vibrant, public space in the city’s downtown core in need of rejuvenation.

Trenton, NJ

Trenton Downtown Association will use the power of the Levitt AMP [Trenton] Music Series to enliven the unused and historic Capitol Green public space, igniting community pride in the State’s Capital and encouraging residents to engage with the city’s rich cultural and historical offerings. 

In addition to the monetary award of $25K each in matching funds to produce the 10 free concerts, Levitt AMP winners will receive the Levitt AMP [Your City] Toolkit containing valuable resources to help them successfully produce their concert series. Funding for the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is made possible by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private family foundation. Learn more: http://amp.levittpavilions.org

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About Levitt Pavilions

Levitt Pavilions is a national nonprofit organization that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. Levitt partners with cities to transform neglected public spaces into welcoming destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Levitt Pavilions is a national network of outdoor music venues presenting the largest free concert series in America. Levitt’s celebrated signature program of 50+ free concerts annually at each Levitt venue is tailored to large cities with metro populations of over 400,000 (due to financial sustainability and audience development considerations). Signature locations include Los Angeles and Pasadena, California; Westport, Connecticut; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; and Arlington, Texas—collectively serving more than half a million people annually through 300+ free, family-friendly concerts. Each Levitt venue is its own 501(c)(3) Friends of Levitt nonprofit organization, presenting 50+ free concerts every year featuring acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award-winning performers in all music genres. Due to accelerating interest from cities and engaged citizens, the Levitt program is growing. Developing Levitt locations across the country include Denver (opening 2016) and Houston (opening 2017), amongst other cities. Learn more at http://www.levittpavilions.org and http://www.amp.levittpavilions.org.

About Discover Downtown Middlesboro

Discover Downtown Middlesboro (DDM) was founded in 2006. Concerned business owners, building owners, and residents came together to start this organization as a response to the perception of decline downtown. Very early on the organization chose the Four-Point Approach®  established by the National Main Street Center. This approach emphasizes grassroots community action in areas including: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Restructuring.

Revitalization efforts gained greater intensity and focus in 2012. The organization acquired a major 27,000 square foot building downtown to renovate. The project is in the pre-development stage now and the desired outcome is to include residential housing on the upper floors and civic/community use on the ground floor. Groundwork is being laid to restore the historic canal that passes through town, as well as to create a walking and biking trail that connects the downtown with the nearby Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Learn more at http://www.downtownmiddlesboro.org.

Middlesboro Competing to Host Live Music Downtown in 2015

Levitt Pavilions has existing venues in Westport, CT; Bethlehem, PA; Memphis, TN; Arlington, TX; Pasadena, CA; and Los Angeles, CA. Credit: Levitt Pavilions. 

Middlesboro is the only community in Kentucky and one of 26 cities nationally competing for the honor to host 10 live outdoor music events in 2015. Levitt Pavilions is a national organization behind the largest free concert series in America. Through their Levitt AMP [Your City] contest they are now expanding their network from six permanent venues to 10 additional cities with populations of less than 400,000 people.

Levitt AMP [Your City] contest graphic. Credit: Levitt Pavilions.

Now through November 30 people have an opportunity to vote to make Middlesboro, Kentucky a Levitt AMP [Your City] venue. The top 20 vote getters in the contest will then advance in the competition and ten winners will be selected by Levitt Pavilions.

A special focus of the Levitt Pavilions organization as well as other arts organizations nationally is on a concept called "creative placemaking." This process at its essence involves working with artists and arts organizations to enrich places and make them a more enjoyable place to live. In formulating the AMP [Your City] contest, Levitt especially sought out neglected public spaces with a potential to be transformed.

Discover Downtown Middlesboro President Jay Shoffner said of Middlesboro's entry: "We could not imagine a better fit for our organization. For over a year now since our first Better Block event in October 2013, Downtown Middlesboro has won statewide and national attention for our creative placemaking work. What better place than in the town where Ragtime music was invented, to host 10 live music events with major acts. It just doesn't get any better than that."

Ben Harney, Father of Ragtime.
Credit: DDM.

Benjamin Harney, a Louisville native and called by many the "Father of Ragtime" lived in Middlesborough (as the town was named then, later the spelling was changed) for a brief time from 1890 to 1893. This was just after the town was founded and the population boomed from a few thousand people to over 7,000. He learned the syncopated rhythms that later became Ragtime by combining African America folk tunes with the staccato piano playing technique that became a worldwide sensation. Harney was the first to publish Ragtime music for commercial sale. His success catapulted him to shows in New York City and touring all over the world.

Today leaders in Middlesboro realize the important role that arts and culture have to play in creating a livable city with a great quality of life. Low-cost interventions that fall under the category of "tactical urbanism" have been used to enhance underutilized spaces downtown. Vacant lots have been transformed in to pop-up parks. Pop-up shops have gone in vacant storefronts. And parklets, sharrows, and guerilla way-finding signs are transforming how people interact with the streets and sidewalks in town. Taken together all of these efforts will also be a major help in the bid of Middlesboro to be named a "Kentucky Trail Town."

Another major initiative presently underway is to build a world class trail system. Daniel Boone and a quarter million settlers passed through this area between 1775 and around 1812. Work is underway to recreate portions of the former "Boone Trace" as it was called as part of a trail that connects the downtown with the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park less than two miles away.

Levitt AMP Middlesboro venue photos, before and after. Credit: DDM.

Then there is the lot where the performances would occur. One of the first initiatives that Discover Downtown Middlesboro undertook was establishing a farmers' market after the organization was founded in 2006. For a variety of reasons a market was started though never took off. Today this vacant lot at a prime spot in the heart of our downtown is vacant and forelorn. Utilizing plans generated by the Department of Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky, we hope to transform this lot in to a venue for live music and events.

Perhaps DDM Executive Director Isaac Kremer best described the potential of the concert series for our area, "Winning the designation of a Levitt AMP city by the Levitt Pavilions organization would give a major boost to our city and region at a time we need this most. Job loss we've experienced through the coal industry means that we need to work harder and smarter than ever before to attract people and dollars downtown. That, and there is nothing better than free live music to bring people together and strengthen the already strong social fabric of our Appalachian region."

The public is invited to vote between now and November 30. Instructions for how to vote are on the Discover Downtown Middlesboro website and Facebook page. You can also find directions on the Levitt AMP [Your City] contest page. If anyone has any questions they are welcome to contact DDM at (606) 248-6155 or visit www.downtownmiddlesboro.org.

Image Credits:

• Levitt Map - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOpLJyFJ3uEGkflzg1m5v9Z6w8KiOaCehAa66wTcsFAaT4zc9XqgS92pIo_IAXOj_3dR1ivi3qwQGUUv5qNXGQIG2DT7lPuZ6CCs42ELzR_mASq0XWKhdFe5sbIERSyFJlxpuqdR7Dos/s1600/levitt+map+copy.png
• Ben Harney - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM19KUEf_Ak6ns5un0eVD1yoTdtnSBekUTgAjXYkOePYVKzvggl-RDJtxfjK-47V3oFU-Sn_bFp0_rB3ucJ-IKh5eEhT4miSWHcybeBcaWrhLA1x7Dn7DDTiKv2VZkSP5JgXcVcNpOJo/s1600/BEN+HARNEY.jpg
• Farmers Market Before Picture - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbupobIsWpIgFCAolTVEr4zqRzUUIQgyI5Ga_Ew0fvovJ-PfiLtPq1szUBw0F66S2K4SMhwtT4DTSP0T7Oux9YmoUbh2oL4ThFVeAhh0-7a3EkouAjqlCsNDN94U5tnt25R3rapt1zS0/s1600/Discover+Downtown+Middlesboro_Public+Space.png
• Levitt AMP Middlesboro Pop-up Park After Picture - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrYv8f_3uyXQ_e5zIbUiXbAyUWNYhHLXDG4MIT8ek_ZR72rK6n20IsZspawKFBS3p0T5HvBUWOdU-TmZVbJD_6b2rq940UPfJjWk6Px4g96l-W2n7jqM6mfqloH9sheWBLzWye-xxqmo/s1600/Discover+Downtown+Middlesboro_AMP+Image.png 

Middlesborough Makers Market - Meet the Makers!

As we make final preparations to kick-off the Makers Market in Downtown Middlesborough - here is a sneak peak of five from the more than twenty artists, crafters, musicians, and food producers invited to participate. Starting on April 4 a  storefront at 2008 Cumberland Avenue in Middlesborough will come to life. The public will be invited to have a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and to see and hear demonstrations, performances, and lectures. For more information, visit our website, follow us on Twitter @MakersMarketKY, or like us on Facebook.

Jackie Dunaway

Crafter

"From the time I was a small child growing up in the mountains of Bell County, I would watch in awe while my grandmother quilted.  Her fingers, though bent with hard work, made beautiful designs in the quilt using  flour sack material.  These sacks were made of cotton and had colorful floral designs.  I am sorry to say that I never acquired this talent.  However, the desire to create never left me. Thinking back, my first recollection of "crafting" was when my oldest daughter was in kindergarten,  I made salt-dough Christmas ornaments for her teacher as a gift.  The teacher then called to order some of those ornaments as Christmas gifts for her friends.  And to my amazement, she offered to purchase them.  Wow...crafting and making money at the same time.  Sounds like a plan. Through the years I have been very fortunate to do just that.  In 1986 I got my first order from Belk's .  At that time, there were 5 Belk stores in Kentucky.  I then went on to sell to the Kentucky State Parks,  ventured out into other gift shops in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Berea and even sold to Dollywood. A dream had been fulfilled.  Every medium available was a challenge for me.  From rag dolls, woodcrafts, soap making, natural lotion, scrubs and wire-wrapped jewelry... I love it all.  I am happiest when I create something that someone else loves too.  My "15 Minutes Of  Fame" came when 5 of my original designs were on the cover of Country Marketplace Magazine. Since retiring from Belk 4 years ago, I am again designing and selling my handcrafts. We all have been blessed with a gift..my prayer is that you find yours and it will make you as happy as mine has made me."

Harold Jerrell 

Photographer

"I developed an interest in photography while working for the Virginia Department of Forestry. However, it was not until about fifteen years ago that I became serious and wanted to know what lay beyond the "auto" setting on my camera. Thus my journey began. In recent years my photographs have appeared in various magazines, books, pamphlets, brochures, and state and federal websites. Several images have been used as cover photographs for magazines and books. I have been honored to lead photography workshops for Pine Mountain State Park, Wilderness Road State Park, and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. I present programs for various groups including local, regional, and state garden clubs. My goal in photography is to capture the essence of a special moment and be able to convey this feeling to others. It is my belief that while hiking and photographing one experiences physical and mental growth and most importantly, the opportunity for spiritual renewal by the Master Creator."

Ann Madon

Crafter

Hi, I’m Ann Jackson Madon born and raised in Middlesboro, Kentucky.  My first creative efforts were doing store displays in my parents’ stores, Jackson Studio and Gift shops.  I graduated from MHS in 1973 and eventually attended The American School for Applied Arts in Atlanta where I studied Interior Design.  After returning to Middlesboro, I became an educator, first in the Bell County Vocational School teaching retail sales.  Later, I became a para-educator, working with first through third grade children. This job allowed me to use my creativity displaying the children’s hard work and developing motivational bulletin boards throughout the school.  Those twenty years flew by; I was so happy.

I have since retired to become a full-time Crafter, though I’ve always had this craving to work with my hands and make something unusual.  I had already embellished flip-flops for a year or two before they became popular in retail outlets.  Then, one Christmas about six years ago, I bought my first tire pot.  It reminded me of my favorite Aunt’s house in the country.  I knew this was something I could make.  I found some tires, then went online for instructions.  After cutting and turning many tires, I knew I had found a craft I loved.  There are so many possibilities with each tire because each tire is unique. They all keep evolving into new forms.  Because I’m at the mercy of my tire store suppliers, I never know what items I’ll be adding.  This makes the process really exciting.

Since I couldn’t paint in the winter, I needed another creative outlet.  So this year I added a new item to my wares, wind chimes made of silver flatware.  I call them “Wind Songs” by miss ann.  I’ve had such fun from making these, especially when it comes to naming each set of chimes.  I named one made from salad forks “Poke Salad Annie” and one made from soup spoons “You’re Souper.”  I began selling my wares mainly to people I know and through word of mouth at my home.  I have also displayed a few in some local stores.  Now, I have participated in a couple of shows where I enjoyed talking with new people and introducing my newest creations.  My dream to continue finding new uses for tires and other unused items, expanding my creative efforts so “miss ann’s retreads” becomes a household name.

Steve McCarty

Stained glass

My name is Steve McCarty.  I was born and raised in Bell County.  I am recently retired, having worked in engineering for over forty years. I have always enjoyed working with wood as a hobby.  I have turned wooden bowls and other items, built roll around lemonade carts, and now I am enjoying putting together wooden baskets, shelves, and a large variety of other items. I also enjoy sandblasting.  I have made several designs on glass bottles, jars and clay pots. Miniature tree houses and coal mine entrances designed with rocks and tree branches are another form of my creativity. My brother, Dale McCarty is also an avid woodworker.  Like me, he enjoys creating unique projects from wood and metal in his spare time.

Steve Obermann

Stained glass

"I have been working with stained glass for about thirty years.  I work a lot with the copper foiling technique of stained glass, but also love to work with the leaded glass as well.  I love making windows that can hang in front of existing windows.  I have also made several windows that have a person's last name in the window. I am very interested in Frank Lloyd Wright pattern windows and have made three for our home that hang in front of existing windows.  Also about ten years ago I headed up the committee at our church to have our stained glass windows restored."

Angela Roberts

Embroidery

With over 35 years of experience working with needle, thread, and fabric, I enjoy adding all manner of embellishments to the surface of fabric. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Crazy Quilt offered the maker opportunity to showcase her embroidery skills. My Crazy Quilt is a biographical memory quilt as I have added family jewelry pieces, symbolic charms and beads, and ribbon from my wedding bouquet, along with traditional embroidery and modern fabric and ribbon flowers. In the last few years I have specialized in heirloom wedding gown redesign, updating the gown and altering it for the bride. I have redesigned vintage gowns (from 20 to 64 years old) originally worn by the bride’s mother and grandmother. I design custom veils, headpieces, and accessories (sometimes made from the vintage gown). I also design costumes, working with The Historic Savannah Theatre (GA) for over five years and most recently, with the production of ”Godspell” at Lincoln Memorial University. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, I have lived in Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee alongside my minister husband. I tutor students in math and Chemistry, serve as a substitute teacher, and currently reside in Harrogate, TN.

Jade Robertson

Signer

From a young age, Jade Robertson has always been drawn to music. Starting out at age 6 being classically trained on piano, she has always enjoyed playing and performing. She never really found her place until she discovered the traditional sounds of Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. Much like these women, Jade has grown up country, nestled in the beautiful, historic mountains of a small town known as Middlesboro, Kentucky. Jade has flourished into a diversely talented artist. From the moment she opens her mouth, she captivates you with her unique sound and powerful vocals. With every note you can feel her love for country music.

Jade has participated in numerous community events and shared her talents with other young musicians within the tri-state area. Combining her instrumental talents and outstanding vocals with her beautiful smile, she will leave you breathless when she hits the stage. Hoping to inspire other young musicians to follow their dreams, Jade will be performing at many different festivals this summer. She hopes to see you there.

Craig Sowby and Ken Wilson

Singers

Craig Sowby grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Utah. He is a classically trained violinist from the age of 4, and started playing drums and percussion at the age of 15. Craig handles fiddle and percussion duties, as well as harmony vocals, with an occasional ukelele. Ken Wilson was born and raised in Middlesboro, KY, but now lives in Harrogate, TN.  He is a school teacher by trade, but has played music since age 18.  Ken handles the guitar duties and sings most of the lead vocals for the duo.  Ken and Craig have been influenced by many different styles of music down through the years, but when they get together to play and sing, the music has a quality and spirit all it's own. The name "Mountain Echo" comes from them both being raised in the mountains, although at opposite ends of the country, and defining a distinctive mountain sound.

Jessica Taylor

Photographer

Though raised in Florida, Jessica Taylor was born in a small town tucked deep in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.  There was always peacefulness for her in being alone with nature.  Many mornings she could be found at the lands’ end, watching the sun appear in the horizon.  She found delight in the way the light changed the sky as it rose higher.  However it was not until Jessica’s roots called her back home to Kentucky that she found her passion for photography.  It was out on the mountain trails, as she examined the hidden beauty of the land.  From the texture and colors of moss, lichen and mushrooms, to the play of light on the daintiest of flower Jessica was hooked right away.  Photography added a new element to the peacefulness she had come to find in nature.  She began showing people, only to share what they too could find hidden away.  Soon people started requesting copies of her work. Normally always found with a camera in tow, Jessica’s photography collection is extensive.  Her works have been featured at the Cumberland Gap National Park, and ranges from prints (sizes 5"x7" and 8"x10") to an assortment of coffee table books.

Mery White

Singer

They say she could talk before she could walk, so naturally she'd also sing. Her friends who know her well say... "she fell from a star",  because her original hometown of Middleborough, Kentucky was created by a meteorite... which may account for her trailblazing ventures in music and impacting modern time style.   Before relocating with her family  to   Ohio, her father played in a band named Fred Peck and The Boogie Woogie Boys, whose story is featured on WMIK's website detailing some of their music history in the late 1940's and early 50's. Though she grew up in Akron, times were more exciting than 'holidays with presents'  when her family made the brief summer visits to her grandparents home in Middlesborough.  The car rides down the long and winding roads, gave them an inescapable opportunity to sing together and make  harmonies to all types of songs.  Regarding the gamut of emotions that music contains, which she describes metaphorically... "It has carried me like an innertube that keeps one afloat through often harsh waves of  unexpected experiences and challenging changes that time ushers in". Miss White's vibrantly stirring vocals and lyrical savvy resonates with an infectious and familiar modern mix of genres; classic, rock, rhythm, blues, jazz, country, pop and maybe even a bit of hip hop, bebop... It's all in there! She has had the privilege to work with awesome Akron musicians and artists which include Grammy winner James Ingram,  Dave Banks Big Band, nationally known jazz musician  Kim Waters and numerous other entertainers.  A variety of venues keep her busy performing in intimate night clubs, Casinos, Concert Halls,  and Festivals. So, she's still clicking her heels in LA(Lovely Akron) and regularly performs with the local five piece band named 4us. In 2010, she wrote and produced the musical stage play "Lemonade Stand" presented at the Weathervane Theater in Akron Ohio, which highlighted the original music  they collaborated to produce on their debut CD titled  "The Getaway".   Lifes roads sometimes aren't  'yellow brick' ... but she moves forward, superbly performing cover and original music  that helps to make... hopes float, dreams soar,  love live and simple down home fun.  

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This project is funded by an Appalachian Regional Commission Flex-E-Grant through the Kentucky Department for Local Government and administered by the Brushy Fork Institute of Berea College. Flex-E-Grant funds are made available to distressed ARC counties in Kentucky for projects that are designed to build capacity in these communities.

Christmas Celebrations Coming to Downtown Middlesborough

Santa's House coming together nicely at 1927 Cumberland Ave.

Middlesborough, Kentucky - Signs of the Christmas holiday are everywhere in downtown Middlesboro. The big tree is up downtown, Santa has been given a new house on Fountain Square, and over 50 entries are getting ready for the Christmas Parade this Saturday at 3pm.

Volunteers from Discover Downtown Middlesboro have once again taken the lead organizing not only the parade, but also decorations to give the downtown a festive look and feel. Keith Nagle, DDM President said, “We are happy to invite people downtown this time of year to enjoy a one-of-a kind community celebration.”

A Tree Lighting is being planned for Friday, December 6 at 6pm in Fountain Square. In case of rain the location will be at Santa’s House at 1927 Cumberland Ave. Featured people and groups will include Kentucky Senator Brandon Smith, local singer Jade Robertson,and  Middlesboro Elementary School Principal Dr. Tony Maxwell. Area choirs, churches, and Ms. Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival Queen Brooke Gibbs will also participate.

The Middlesboro Christmas Parade will start promptly at 3pm on Saturday, December 7. The theme of the parade this year is “An Old Fashioned Christmas.” People are encouraged to line the parade route along Cumberland Ave between 15^th and 21^st Street. Bleachers will be on Fountain Square and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A storefront at 1927 Cumberland Ave has been converted into Santa’s House for kids and families to visit with Santa Claus. Visitation will be open immediately after the parade on December 7, and again on December 13, 14, 20, and 21 starting at 5pm each night. Building owner Mack Yoakum generously donated the space for Santa’s House.

A student from LMU painting the window at JRS Restaurant Corp. on Cumberland Ave.

Building on a successful window painting project last year, this year faculty and students from Lincoln Memorial University and the Middlesboro High School Key Club have painted holiday scenes on storefront windows. Be sure to come out and see the festive scenes that they create.

Sponsors for the Christmas celebration this year include  Commercial Bank, Community Trust Bank, First State Financial, Home Federal Bank, Danny J Luttrell Insurance, and Southeast Eye Associates. Generous contributions have also been made by Ike Slusher, Dr. Kenneth Smith, Larry Brooks, and Steve Obermann. Local businesses that have made in-kind donations include Jim Brown Supply providing the lift to decorate the tree, JR Hoe & Sons giving the trailer for the stage, and East End Pawn, Mikel’s Pharmacy, Three States Printing, and Walmart.

Susannah Cadle with Antique & Modern Jewelry putting finishing touches on her Christmas display.

Assisting in our fundraising efforts is the Fund for the Arts based in Louisville and their Power2Give website. Every dollar that local people give will be matched by an additional dollar from LG&E and KU Energy. Donna Smith, Organization Committee Chair said “We encourage folks to make a donation today to make this Christmas a special one for everyone involved.”

A link to the Power2Give website is here:

http://power2give.org/kentucky/Project/Detail?projectId=2627

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

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McConnell Helps Middlesboro Secure National Park Service Assistance

For Immediate Release, Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Contacts: Robert Steurer, Stephanie Penn 202-224-8288

McConnell Helps Middlesboro Secure National Park Service Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced today the National Park Service agreed to provide technical assistance for Middlesboro, Kentucky, which will be used to help improve infrastructure to the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. 

Earlier this year, Senator McConnell was contacted by Middlesboro officials asking him to assist with their grant application with the National Parks Service. In July, Senator McConnell contacted the Southeast Program Manager of the National Park Service on behalf of his constituents to encourage a “fair review” of their grant proposal.

On October 23, the National Park Service informed Isaac Kremer, Executive Director of Discover Downtown Middlesboro, that their application was approved and they would receive assistance for Fiscal Year 2014 for this community-based initiative.

“This is great news for the people of Middlesboro,” Senator McConnell said. “The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is one of Kentucky’s top tourist attractions, and this effort will help attract visitors and highlight the historical, cultural and natural resources of the area.”

Isaac Kremer, Executive Director of Discover Downtown Middlesboro, said, "Senator McConnell has championed job creation, downtown revitalization, and economic development throughout Kentucky and our area of Appalachian Kentucky in particular. We are strengthened and encouraged through his support of our community revitalization goals that include development of a Cumberland Gap to Middlesboro trail."

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Ducky Dash Returns to Downtown Middlesboro on August 24

Middlesboro, Kentucky, August 10, 2013 – Downtown Middlesboro will be your place for family friendly fun and excitement on Saturday, August 24. Starting at 4pm there will be inflatables in Fountain Square, retail and food vendors, games where kids can win prizes, and our ever popular duck race in the Canal. Live music from Jerry Davis and Stone Mountain will be another highlight.

Keith Nagle, President of Discover Downtown Middlesboro said, “The money raised from the event goes right back into our programs to help improve the physical appearance, business environment, and to support other downtown events throughout the year.”

The highlight of the event each year is when several hundred ducks are dropped into the Canal. People line the Canal on both sides and watch to see which duck first crosses the finish line. For $5 you can buy a ticket with a number that corresponds with one of the hundreds of ducks for your chance to win cash and prizes. Tickets are on sale at businesses downtown. Look for a big duck out front.

Then immediately after the race starting at 7pm there will be the first-ever Dancing in the Street event at Cumberland Ave and 20^th Street.  Bring a chair and enjoy!

A special thank you to our sponsors including Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, Coca-Cola, GRW, Home Federal Bank, Mikel's Pharmacy, and World Wide Gap.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at (606) 248-5603 or www.downtownmiddlesboro.org. We are also on Facebook and Twitter @DDMBoro.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Discover Downtown Middlesboro Volunteers Clean Up Downtown

Before and after photos of 103 N 19th St 

Middlesborough, Kentucky, July 29, 2013 – On Saturday, July 27, thirty volunteers were organized by Discover Downtown Middlesboro, in an effort to clean up Downtown in preparation for the Vietnam Wall coming August 2 – August 5, and the Annual DDM Ducky Dash on August 24.

“We focused mainly on the City Hall Parking Lot, the Canal Walk from 20^th Street to Cumberland Avenue, and Cumberland Avenue from 19^th Street to the Arthur Museum. We also took down two awnings and cleaned Dr. McGeorge’s awning,” stated Jarryd Boster who along with the DDM Design Committee organized the event. “We were extremely pleased by the turn out of volunteers. They were all hard workers and they did a tremendous job.”

“Our hope is that this will become an annual event that brings attention and pride to our Downtown Area. We have such a picturesque community that we want to take care of. The overwhelming volunteer turnout is evidence of the importance the citizens of Middlesboro place on a clean and well maintained downtown,” explained Becky Bowling, another Design Committee member.

In total they collected 32 large trashbags, 3 grocery carts, a computer monitor, 3 tarps that were swimming in the canal, 623 cans and bottles, 2 large pipes, a large bundle of sharp wire, and 2,109 cigarette butts.

“We would like to think that this might make our citizen’s a little more mindful of putting their trash in a garbage can, rather than littering,” said Boster.

DDM would also like to give a special thanks to Food City of Middlesboro for donating trash bags, Bowling Law Office for donating trash bags and gloves, KFC for donating lunch to all the volunteers, and People’s Choice Pharmacy for donating drinks.

Before and after photos of 1907 Cumberland Ave

Downtown Middlesboro Executive Director Isaac Kremer said afterwards, “I felt this event was a huge success, and reflected well on the quality of volunteers we have in the organization and their strong desire to improve their community for the better.”  The Design Committee is made up of Jay & Kelly Shoffner, Jarryd & Stephanie Boster, Steven & Ashley Cambron, Adam & Becky Bowling, and Evelyn Farmer.  

For those who would like more information about downtown revitalization or to get involved, please contact (606) 248-6155 or visit www.downtownmiddlesboro.org.

Contact:

Becky Bowling

(606) 248-8383

becky.dedman@gmail.com

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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